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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPD 25-04PICKERING REPORT TO COUNCIL Report Number: PD 25-04 Date: June 9, 2004 From: Neil Carroll Director, Planning & Development Subject: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Request for Council Endorsement and Representation for: Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group Recommendation: That Council ENDORSE the Goals, Membership, Organization and Terms of Reference of the Duffins Carruthers Watershed Resource Group (DCWRG), as the implementation team for the Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek; and that TRCA invite a First Nations representative to join the DCWRG; and, That Council APPOINT David Pickles, City Councillor - Ward 3, to serve as the City of Pickering representative on the Duffins Carruthers Watershed Resource Group, and Mayor Ryan as the alternate. Executive Summary: The 'state-of-the-ad' Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek was adopted by TRCA and other municipalities in 2003, with the support of Pickering City Council. An implementation strategy was to be established following consultation with City staff and other partners. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is now proposing the Duffins Carruthers Watershed Resource Group (DCWRG) as the implementation team for the Watershed Plan, working with the proposed Goals, Membership, Organizat/on and Terms of Reference. Staff is recommending that City Council endorse the goals, membership, organization and terms of reference of the DCWRG as the advisory group to TRCA on implementation of the Watershed Plan and appoint a member of Council to serve on the Duffins Carruthers Watershed Resource Group. Financial Implications: No funding support from the City is proposed to administer the Duffins Carruthers Watershed Resource Group. Funding participation may be requested at a later time for specific implementation measures, which would be subject to Council approval for each such measure. Report PD 25-04 Date: June 9, 2004 Subject: TRCA Request for Council Endorsement and Representation for: Page 2 Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group 1.0 2,0 Council supported A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek, in 2003. On June 16, 2003, Pickering City Council passed Resolution #96/03, Item #1 to: · receive the draft report A Watershed Plan For Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek; · support, in principle, the vision, management philosophy and ten integral management actions in the plan; and, · authorize City staff to work with TRCA staff on a terms of reference for an implementation team for the watershed plan. Council Resolution #96/03, Item #1 and the vision, management philosophy and ten integral management actions are attached to Report PD 25-04 (see Attachments #1 & #2). The final report - A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek was released in August 2003 and distributed to Council and staff at that time. TRCA consulted with City staff about an implementation team for the Watershed Plan and is now requesting Council's endorsement of the Goals, Membership, Organization and Terms of Reference of the Duffins Carruthers Watershed Resource Group (DCWRG). Since release of the final report, TRCA staff have consulted with Pickering Planning & Development staff, other area and regional municipal staff, and other watershed partners on a suitable terms of reference for an implementation team for the Watershed Plan. In February 2004, the Province released a White Paper on Watershed Based Source Protection Planning. The types of protections proposed for the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek watersheds set out in the Watershed Plan are complementary to the Province's proposals for watershed based source protection. Discussions are ongoing to include the Toronto and Region, Credit Valley and Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authorities in a joint watershed region and develop watershed source protection plans for each watershed. Accordingly, TRCA concluded that the implementation team for the Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek should also take on an advisory role to TRCA on the development of a source protection plan for the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek watersheds. The terms of reference for the implementation team has accordingly been expanded to incorporate this additional role. Report PD 25-04 Date: June 9, 2004 Subject: TRCA Request for Council Endorsement and Representation for: Page 3 Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group 3.0 On April 16, 2004, as a result of consultation with municipal staff and other stakeholders, the Watershed Management Advisory Board of TRCA recommended establishment of the Duffins Carruthers Watershed Resource Group (DCWRG) to assist TRCA in the implementation of A Watershed Plan For Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek. The Board adopted the series of TRCA staff recommendations contained in the Implementation Framework for A Watershed Plan For Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek and the Goals, Membership, Organization and Terms of Reference of the Duffins Carruthers Watershed Resource Group (DCWRG), which are attached to Report PD 25-04 (see Attachment #3). The recommended Goals, Membership, Organization and Terms of Reference of the DCWRG are appropriate. It is proposed that the DCWRG be composed of representatives of federal and provincial agencies, local and regional municipalities, other interested stakeholder organizations and watershed residents. The goal of the DCWRG is to work towards advocacy and networking, funding and resources, communication and interface, stewardship and outreach, education and science transfer, and applied research/experimental design in order to implement A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek. DCWRG membership is to include two members of TRCA, the TRCA watershed specialist, Councillors from the seven local and regional municipalities, representatives of the federal and provincial governments, the golf course and aggregate industries, and six residents or non-govemment organization members to fulfill specific functions. The Urban Development Institute asked to be consulted at such time as specific implementation measures may be under consideration. In addition, TRCA staff welcomed the City staff suggestion to include First Nations representation on the DCWRG and requested the City to provide First Nations contacts. Staff will forward the contact at the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation to TRCA staff. Municipal representatives should represent wards that fall within the Duffins or Carruthers Creek watersheds (i.e., Wards 2 or 3, in Pickering). The term of the appointment will be from this summer until the end of the Council term in November 2006. Report PD 25-04 Date: June 9, 2004 Subject: TRCA Request for Council Endorsement and Representation for: Page 4 Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group Since the DCWRG is expected to meet only several times each year, the role of municipal representatives will be to inform, influence, and maintain communication between the City and the DCWRG on priorities and programs that support the watershed strategy. Another member of Council could also be appointed as an alternate to the appointed Council representative. Support from City staff would be requested as specific implementation measures are considered (i.e., Oak Ridges Moraine official plan amendment, trail planning, etc.) DCWRG members are to appoint a Chair and/or Vice-Chair. The first meeting of the DCWRG is planned early in July. It is anticipated that the six citizen non-government representatives would be selected for the specific functions following the first meeting of the Council and stakeholder representatives on the DCWRG. Council may wish to recommend citizen or non-governmental organization candidates for these functional roles (e.g., a representative of a hamlet ratepayers association, a farmer, a resident of a rural heritage community, or a member of a community association with demonstrated environmental interest). The DCWRG is to continue implementing existing watershed workplans with local partners, coordinate watershed actions and report on a semi-annual basis on projects and progress to the Watershed Management Advisory Board of TRCA. Administrative and technical support, and funding of the DCWRG, is to be provided by TRCA. Although no funding will be requested to support the DCWRG, funding and other support for specific implementation measures is encouraged by TRCA and will be addressed as each implementation measure is proposed. Examples of ongoing watershed measures include trail works, source protection plans, and input to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Some of the functions proposed for the DCWRG apply generally to the two watersheds over the long term, while some are of particular strategic importance to the City of Pickering at this time, including: · to work with the City of Pickering to apply the watershed plan in its planning activities; · to continue to seek opportunities for official plan amendments in support of the policy changes required for full endorsement of the watershed plan; · to continue discussions with Transport Canada to ensure implementation is in line with the Green Space Master Plan; · to advise the GTAA and Transport Canada on watershed plan directions related to the proposed airport; and, · to work with the Province respecting Seaton planning to apply watershed plan strategies. Report PD 25-04 Date: June 9, 2004 Subject: TRCA Request for Council Endorsement and Representation for: Page 5 Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group 4.0 It is recommended that Council endorse the Goals, Membership, Organization and Terms of Reference of the Duffins Carruthers Watershed Resource Group (DCWRG) as the implementation team for the Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek Carruthers Creek and that a First Nations representative be invited to join the DCWRG. Council should appoint a member of Council to serve on the Duffins Carruthers Watershed Resource Group (DCWRG) and another member of Council as an alternate representative. In order to ensure local municipal representation in the implementation of the Watershed Plan for both matters affecting the general health of the two watersheds and matters currently of strategic significance to Pickering, it is recommended that Council appoint a member of Council to the Duffins Carruthers Watershed Resource Group and another member of Council as an alternate representative. It is suggested that David Pickles, City Councillor - Ward 3, be appointed as he was Council's representative on the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek Watershed Task Forces. Councillor Pickles has indicated an interest in continuing his involvement as the City representative on the DCWRG. It is further suggested that Mayor Ryan be appointed as the alternate representative of Council on the DCWRG, which complements his role as Council's representative on the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Mayor Ryan has indicated his interest in this role. Report PD 25-04 Date: June 9, 2004 Subject: TRCA Request for Council Endorsement and Representation for: Page 6 Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Resource Group Attachments: Council Resolution #96/03, Item #1, adopted June 16, 2003 Vision, Management Philosophy and Ten Integral Management Actions of A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek Implementation Framework - A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek, and, Goals, Membership, Organization and Terms of Reference for the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek Watershed Resource Group, 2004- 2006 Prepared By: Steve Gaunt, MCIP, RPP Planner II Approved / Endorsed By: Nell Carro~RPP Director, PlaS'ning & Development Catherine Rose Manager, Policy SG:jf Attachments Copy: Chief Administrative Officer Division Head, Corporate Projects & Policy Division Head, Municipal Property & Engineering Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council Thoma~¢'3 ]~uinn, ~¢ h ief~d m i m'~t4--~tive · June t7, 2003 TO: FROM: SUBJECT: ATTACHMENT #--_ i , TO REPOR'I// PD ~ .5"- co ~., ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT CLERK'S DIVISION MEMORANDUM Nell Carroll, Director, Planning & Development Bruce Taylor, City Clerk Referrals from the Council Meeting of June 16, 2003 RECEIVED CrTy OF PI~rkERIN,.~ ULANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Please be advised that the Council of the City of Pickering passed Resolution #96103, Item #1 at the Council Meeting of June 16, 2003, as follows: That Council RECEIVE the draft report "A Watershed Plan For Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek" of the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek Watershed Task Forces; and That Council SUPPORT IN PRINCIPLE the vision, management philosophy and ten integral management actions set out in "A Watershed Plan For Duffins and Carruthers Creek", provided the TRCA adopts the technical amendments to the Watershed Plan identified in Appendix I of Report Number PD 25-03; and That Council AUTHORIZE City staff to work with staff of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, the Region of Durham and other municipalities, agencies, residents and stakeholders, as appropriate, to provide input to a terms of reference for an implementation team to be formed in the fall of 2003 that would, among other things, review, clarify and recommend precise indicators, measures and targets for the objectives of the Watershed Plan; and that the terms of reference be brought back for consideration by City Council. BT:dk Copy: T.J. Quinn, Chief Administrative Officer Bi Taylor A WATERSHED PLAN AUGUST, 2003 Duffins and Carruther$ Watersheds ~.%~0~ m~ ngervauon for The Living City I I I ! ! I ! ! ! ! ATTACHMENT ~. ~ TO REPOR3 # PD ~ 5--o ~ I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Duffins and Carruthers Creek watersheds lie to the east of Toronto and drain into the north shore of Lake Ontario. These two river systems connect communities across Durham Region and York Region including the City, of Picketing, the Towns of Ajax, Markham and Whitchurch- Stouffville, and the Township of Uxbridge. They are among the healthiest of watersheds in the Greater Toronto Region, yet they are also exhibiting signs of stress from land use activities, Although the "footprint" of the proposed Pickering Airport and the Seaton land development was not available during the time this Plan was written, we do know these two watersheds will face pressure from this future urban growth, road widenings, and construction. The Management Actions contained within the Watershed Plan and its associated technical reports provide a watershed perspective and clear direction for these undertakings. However, these watersheds also hold the potential for innovative management associated with their extensive public land holdings and position relative to the protection afforded by the newly enacted Oak Ridges Moraine Act (2001). This Watershed Plan is a blueprint for action. The Plan includes a brief summary of current watershed conditions and identifies the issues to be addressed and the opportunities that exist. It sets out a vision for the future, a management philosophy, and a framework of management strategies including watershed management goals, objectives, and the required actions. It out- lines a set of effective implementation mechanisms, and provides guidance for implementation priorities at a subwatershed scale and areas within the watershed where initial implementation activities should focus. This Watershed Plan comes from a commitment by Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) in its 1989 Greenspace Strategy to guide the preparation of a ~vatershed management strategy for each of the nine watersheds in its jurisdiction. Building upon commitments made in the Greenspace Strategy, and with over 45 years experience in protecting and restoring the environ- mental health of one of the most rapidly expanding city regions in the world, TRCA has defined a new vision for its work, The Living City: The Living City Vision The quality of life on Earth is being determined in the rapidly expanding city regions. Our vision is for a new kind of community~ The Living City, where human settlement can flourish forever as part of nature's beauty and diversity. The Living City is a way of living in city regions that promotes a healthy coexistence between economy and nature. In a Living City, the ecosystem is seen as the foundation for the City Region. Nature is protected and enhanced for its ability to sustain the health of its important functions in the regional ecosystem; a system in which all living things are interdependent and exist in a delicate balance. The Living City vision has three objectives: healthy rivers and shorelines, regional biodiversity, and sustainable communities. In support of The Living City vision and building upon the experi- ence gained from previous watershed planning initiatives, TRCA has advanced its community- based process and technical approaches in the development of this Watershed Plan. TWO TASK FORCES AND ONE PLAN TRCA continued its very successful model for empowering watershed stakeholders and formed two Watershed Task Forces in 2000. Membership of the two Task Forces included elected municipal representatives, watershed residents, and representatives from key stakeholder groups and agencies. The Task Forces were charged with the responsibility of developing this Watershed Management Plan. Despite their difference in size, the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek watersheds are diverse and contrasting landscapes that share many of the same opportunities and challenges. Therefore, the Task Forces prepared one management plan for the two watersheds. VISION The DUffins and Carruthers Creek Watersheds Task Forces hold the following vision for the future of these watersheds: The Vision Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek watersheds will be healthy, dynamic, and sustainable watersheds that continue to have clean, safe water. These watersheds will have functioning wetlands and be diverse with self-sustaining communities of native plants, fish and wildlife, where natural and human heritage features are protected and valued. Residents will recognize the watersheds as essential community resources that enhance their quality of life. All stakeholders will participate in the stewardship of the watersheds and growth and development will reflect this vision and the importance of protecting and enhancing this priceless legacy. MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY The vision for the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek watersheds is supported by a management philosophy that promotes five key clements. Net Gain · Improve upon existing features and functions throughout the watersheds. · Use the unique opportunities provided by extensive Public land holdings in the watersheds. /~TI'ACH~dENT # ''~ TO REPORI ~ PD ~ 5;' o ~?z ,. Environment First · Manage the watersheds as a "system," considering the environmental function first. · Protect and enhance the natural f~atures and functions as a first step in a hierarchy of other management approaches. · Emphasize prevention over remediation, recognizing that prevention is more cost efficient than remediation. Balance Land Use · These watersheds, adjacent to one of the largest cities in Canada, must support a combination of natural, urban and agricultural land uses and systems. · Apply the principles of Smart Growth. · Recognize through land use actions, the concept of balance, thus ensuring integrity of water- shed functions. Human Health and Safety · Kecognize linkages between human health and the health of the environment. · Minimize risk to human health and safety. Everyone Counts - Ownership, Commitment and Follow Through · Demonstrate sustainable living and sustainable community design. · Build upon existing leadership, stewardship, and good decision making practices. · Strengthen existing and develop new parmerships. · Make the appropriate lifestyle choices, change behaviours, and encourage innovation in thoughts, words, and actions. TECHNICAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PLAN State-of-the-art watershed management today not only addresses a broader range of issues than previous initiatives, but also considers the interrelationships among these issues. Issues are con- sidered in both the current and future planning context, in order to take a more proactive approach to management. Given the rich information base existing within the Duffins and Carruthers Creek watersheds, and the extensive experience of TRCA and its partners with water- shed planning, the Task Forces ~vere able not only to employ, but advance, state-of-the-art methodologies for watershed planning. To understand key functions and issues operating within the watersheds, the Task Forces and the technical support team defined and evaluated three land use scenarios in terms of the effects they would impose on watershed health. The three scenarios included: existing land use, future land use (as per the approved Official Plans), and future land use with enhanced natural cover. These scenarios reflected the primary drivers of change expected in the watersheds, including urban growth and opportunities for natural area protection. The results of the evaluation enabled thc Task Forces to benchmark the watersheds' response along a continuum. ATTACH~IENT ,~_ ~ TO Recognizing that the watershed ecosystem is a complex network of interrelated features and func- tions, the task forces reduced the watershed ecosystems to a set of simpler component systems in order to understand the response to each of the three land use scenarios. Studies were undertak- en within the following technical areas: · surface water quantity.; ' groundwater quantity and quality; · surface water quality; · aquatic habitat and species; · terrestrial habitat and species; · human heritage; and · public use - outdoor recreation. An innovative aspect of this work was the degree to which the findings of each technical study component were integrated and interpreted from the perspective of other interrelated compo- nents. A watershed response model guided the integration and interpretation of results arising from each individual technical component study. For example, increases in vegetative cover pre- dicted changes in groundwater levels and stream baseflow, which in turn predicted an effect on the aquatic community composition in certain stream reaches. Details of this approach and each of the technical component studies are summarized in the Technical Analysis and Integration Process Summary Report (TRCA, 2003) and in the full set of supporting technical reports. These reports build upon information previously published in the Duffins and Carruthers Creek State of the Watershed Reports (TRCA, 2002). MANAGEMENT APPROACH The Task Forces have recommended that the most effective approach for managing the Duffins and Carruthers Creek watersheds involves achievement of an enhanced natural heritage system, together with the application of best management practices in all aspects of land use activities. The concept of an enhanced natural heritage system at a watershed scale is described in the "Future Land Use (as per Official Plans) with Enhanced Natural Heritage Cover" scenario. Implementation of this management approach will involve a review and realization of opportuni- ties for achieving an enhanced natural heritage system at subwatershed and site scales. The selection of this approach was based on the following considerations: · its consistency with the Task Forces' Management Philosophy; · its effectiveness for meeting multiple watershed management benefits; · its ability to provide the foundation for a sustainable watershed; · its feasibility; and · its consistency with other provincial and t~deral basin management objectives. ! I I ! I I I i AT'I'ACH~,4EN'r #, ,~ TO GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND BASELINE REPORT CARD A set of eight goals and 25 objectives make up the overall management strategy of tiffs Watershed Plan (Table E-i). A rating has been assigned to each goal and objective, based on an evaluation of the state of current watershed conditions in relation to the management direction provided by the specific goal and objectives. These ratings form a baseline "Watershed Report Card" from which the effectiveness of implementing the Watershed Plan can be measured. Details of the rat- ing analysis are documented in the Ratings Report fbr the 2003 Duffins and Carruthers Creek Watersheds Report Card (TRCA, 2003). MONITORING AND REPORTING A formal, coordinated multi-agency monitoring program is not intended to be the sole form of watershed monitoring in the Duffins and Carruthers Creek watersheds. Many of the recommen- dations tabled in Chapter Six of this Plan are in fact initiatives that require fi-equent performance assessments. These performance assessments are considered to be elements of watershed moni- toting. It is also recognized that observations of stream and terrestrial ecosystem health by resi- dents, stakeholders, and non-government organizations are important metrics of the effectiveness of this Watershed Plan. Periodic reviews of this ~Vatershed Plan are an integral component of TRCA's watershed manage- ment process and allow for: systematic improvements to the plan, the incorporation of new scien- tific understandings of the watersheds, and emerging initiatives such as "sustainabilit7''. At the same time, the original assumptions of the Watershed Plan can, if necessary, be adjusted. Timing of major reviews should be coordinated with the preparation of a Watershed Report Card, in advance of major land use changes in the watershed. J 5 TEN INTEGRAL MANAGEMENT ACTIONS The Task Forces recommended a detailed set of management activities for the achievement of each objective. A number of these actions are common, in that they contribute toward the fulfill- ment of numerous objectives. Certain benefits are considered especially important because they can happen well beyond their site of application. These particular management actions are so important that they are integral to the overall health of the watersheds and should be afforded top priority for implementation. The Integral Management Actions are: 1. Protect existing meadows, wetlands, and forests identified in the enhanced terrestrial natural heritage system and secure lands to be restored. 2. Actively restore areas within the enhanced natural heritage system, which contribute multiple · watershed benefits, and allow passive restoration to occur in the remaining areas. 3. Provide stormwater quantity and quality controls for new and existing development, includ- ing transportation corridors. 4. Manage land uses and water withdrawals to maintain or enhance infiltration patterns, groundwater pathways, and resultant baseflows. Eliminate the remaining point source of pollution (i.e. Stouffville Water Pollution Control Plant) and manage non-point sources of pollution, in particular stormwater runoff and infil- tration from urban land uses, transportation corridors, and rural contributions. 6. Enforce stringent erosion and sediment controls for construction and infrastructure mainte- nance activities. 7. Protect and restore natural streams and stream processes by managing runoff and sediment loss at source, protecting valley and stream corridors, and naturalizing altered streams. 8. Remove and/or mitigate human-built barriers to fish passage and sediment transport, includ- ing on-line ponds, where recommended by the Fisheries Management Plan. 9. Maintain self-sustaining, resident/migratory fish and wildlife populations as barometers of a healthy natural heritage system. l 0. Identify and raise awareness of past and present human influences on the watersheds and the strong link between human heritage, watershed recreation, and human and environmental health. 10 ! I I I I I I MULTIPLE BENEFITS OF NATURAL COVER The protection and enhancement of terrestrial natural heritage cover through the achievement of the enhanced natural heritage system is central to the Task Forces' management approach. Technical analysis of the watersheds' response to the "Future Land Use (,as per the Official Plans) with Enhanced Natural Heritage System" scenario repeatedly demonstrated the multiple water- shed benefits that can be realized by achieving an enhanced natural heritage system. In addition to benefits associated with terrestrial habitat and species objectives, a natural heritage system would contribute to the management of hydrological, hydrogeological, water quality, aquatic resource, recreation, and human heritage concerns. At a watershed scale, the protection of a viable natural heritage system will provide the founda- tion for a sustainable watershed. By protecting the ability of natural systems to carry out water- shed functions, there will be less need for costly maintenance of infrastructure, less risk with unproven technological solutions to watershed management, and cost savings in taking a preven- tative approach rather than a reliance on remedial or "end-of-the-pipe" solutions. In addition, choices made at the community and site scales within the watershed will contribute to overall watershed sustainability. I ! IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK A Tool Kit of Implementation Mechanisms Common to many watershed plans in Ontario, the key implementation mechanisms include: pol- icy and planning, regulations and permits, stewardship and regeneration activities, land acquisi- tion/securement, and education and ~iwareness. Both the province, under the Oak Ridges Moraine Act (2001) and Conservation Plan (2002), and Justice O'Connor in his Part Two Report of the Walkerton Inquiry (2002) have endorsed the important role municipal land use planning and other government permitting processes play in implementing a watershed plan. The Duffins and Carruthers Watershed Task Forces have also recognized the importance of developing a model policy framework to assist in the transition between the watershed plan and its implementation through these other planning and policy tools. Initial work has been completed in developing model policy framework; further work is a priority implementation activity. GIS-based mapping has been prepared for each watershed to identify, the areas targeted for active stewardship, regeneration, land acquisition and securement. Subwatershed Scale Direction A more detailed identification of key management considerations and actions has been provided at the subwatershed level. For this purpose, the Duffins Creek watershed was divided into six drainage areas including: West Duffins Creek, East Duffins Creek, Ganatsekiagon Creek, Urfe 11 ATTACHMEN3' #_o~ TO ' t REPORT # PD o~ ~ '- O, ~/z:,~ ~ Creek, Millers Creek, and the Lower Duffins Creek. The Carruthers Creek Watershed makes up the seventh area. Opportunities have been illustrated on a map for each subwatershed. Community Action Sites The task forces have identified six sites within the watersheds as potential "Community Action Sites". Sites were selected to demonstrate the implementation of many aspects of the watershed plan; the expected interest, enthusiasm, and support of implementation partners; and the feasibili- ty of design and implementation at the site level. Community Action Sites have been successful in other watersheds as a means of facilitating the transition from plan to ground level action and in providing a sense of early accomplishment for partners implementing the plan. Roles and Responsibilities Implementation of the Watershed Plan requires the involvement of everyone, including residents, businesses, schools, and all levels of government. Specific recommendations are provided as to a role for each partner. TOWARD FULFILLMENT OF NEW PROVINCIAL DIRECTIONS The release of this report could not come at a better time as it complements recent recommenda- tions of the Walkerton Inquiry, the Oak Ridges Moraine Act and Conservation Plan, and the proposed North Picketing Land Exchange and its principles for development of the Seaton lands. These decisions, combined with planning for the extensive federal government: land holdings for a proposed regional airport in the Duffins watershed, suggest that we are at a ]point in time when critical decisions concerning the protection and enhancement of these areas need to be made. ~ Walkerton Inquiry Call for Source Protection The Walkerton Inquiry's Part Two Report, A Strategy for Safe Drinking Water, was released by the Ontario Government in May 2002 and contains 93 recommendations for improved public policy and programs that will ensure the safety of Ontario's drinking water supply. The report focuses considerable attention on the importance of protecting drinking water sources as the first step in a multi-barrier approach to drinking water supply' management. Specifically, the report calls for the preparation of watershed-based source protection plans and outlines the role of conservation authorities in this effort. Drinking water sources within the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek watersheds include both lake-based (urban portions of the City of Pickering and the Town of Ajax) and ground- water-based supplies. The regional municipalities of Peel, York, and Durham have been assembling information to address components of groundwater source protection, and TRCA is committed to a program of coordinating the integration of all of this information within an 12 ATlrACH'MENT #~ TO integrated watershed management and source protection plan. The preparation of source protection plans for watersheds that are predominantly served by Lake Ontario may require a slightly different approach than areas influenced mostly by local sources. Although the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek watersheds affect the nearshore Lake Ontario environment, contaminant sources also arise from upstream in the Great Lakes Basin and from "imported" sources, such as atmospheric deposition. Toronto and Region Conservation is working with Conservation Ontario and its representa- tives on the Provincial Advisory Committee that has been established to recommend a frame- work for the preparation of Source Protection Plans in Ontario. ~Oak Ridges Moraine Act and Conservation Plan After a six month moratorium that froze development on the Oak Ridges Moraine, and dur- ing which time a strategy was developed and public consultation undertaken, (Bill 122, The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act) was passed in the Ontario Legislature and received Royal Assent on December 14, 2001. On April 22, 2002 the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan was approved and filed as a Ministers Regulation (O. Reg. 140/02). The purpose of the Plan is to provide land use and resource management planning direction to ensure the protection and ecological and hydrological integrity of the Oak Ridges Moraine. The Conservation Plan provides for four land use designations. The first two are Natural Core Areas and Natural Linkage Areas, where very limited new land uses are being permit- ted. The Countryside Areas are largely identified for agrictfltural, rural, recreational, and resource areas and, finally, the Settlement Areas are restricted to existing urban or settlement area boundaries. Municipalities are directed in the plan to recognize these land use designations, setbacks, and" further study requirements in their Official Plans and zoning by-laws xvithin set timeframes. In addition, it requires that detailed water management studies (i.e., watershed plans, water budgets, and conservation plans) be completed and their results be incorporated into mtmic- ipal Official Plans before any major development proposals may be approved. In summary, the Conservation Plan was written and designed to be implemented by munici- pal governments. Many of the requirements of the Plan involve tasks or studies that conser- vation authorities have traditionally undertaken for their member municipalities. Prior to the enactment of the Oak Ridges Moraine Act and Plan, the nine conservation authorities with watersheds on the Oak Ridges Moraine formed a coalition to advocate for the protection of the Moraine. This Conservation Authorities Moraine Coalition has pre- 13 pared a proposal to be submitted to its member municipalities outlining the aspects of the Conservation Plan, which could be delivered by conservation authorities. The preparation of watershed plans like this one, water budgets, and mapping of environmental features are among the items being proposed by the coalition. WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE FUTURE DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHEDS This Watershed Plan xvill be successful if it remains a living document, one that is revisited and implemented when and where appropriate. We will know that we have made a difference if we strive to meet multiple objectives during implementation and continue to further understanding of the technical work that supports management strategies and their direction. What is Success? As we move forward and evolve with the times and the places that are unique to these two ~vater- sheds we should be able to look back and say that we have: · protected and enhanced the natural systems and sustainability of communities within the Duffms Creek and Carruthers Creek watersheds; · strengthened foundations for managing the watersheds using a formal monitoring and report- ing system in place; · improved water quality in Carruthers Creek and Duffins Creek for improved habitats and the provision of safe drinking water; · increased our knowledge of human and natural heritage resources in these watersheds and developed educational and outreach programs that support and apply this new knowledge base in the two watersheds and beyond; · provided opportunities for watershed residents and stakeholders to have a greater say in how these watersheds are used and managed; · expanded our knowledge and refined our planning and management practices to sustain these river systems; · built on existing and established new watershed partnerships that reflect the importance of the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek ~vatersheds in the Regional Municipalities of Durham and York and beyond; and · encouraged private landowners to manage and exercise good stewardship of their lands to pro- mote watershed sustainability. 14 Good decision making is based on sound science and an accurate, reliable knowledge base. This Watershed Plan identifies a series of actions that are based on sound science. These actions have emerged as a result of detailed analysis and consultation. For practical purposes, these manage- ment strategies are to be initiated and monitored over the next five years. Many of these actions will be completed during this time. For those actions that require implementation over a longer time period, significant progress will be made during the next five years and a foundation estab- Lished for continued action. Periodic reviews of this Watershed Plan are an integral component of TRCA's watershed manage- ment process allowing for systematic imp. rovements to the Plan, and the incorporation of new sci- entific understandings of the watersheds and emerging initiatives, such as "sustainability". At the same time, the original assumptions of the Watershed Plan, if necessary, can be adjusted. Timing of major rex4ews should be coordinated with the release of Watershed Report Cards, or advanced, if unanticipated major changes in land use occur. Many individuals and groups have collaborated to develop this strategy. Many more will be involved in its implementation. But its success hinges on the vigour with which each partner pursues the vision, management philosophs; and accompanying management strategies. Two healthy, dynamic and sustainable watersheds are attainable for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek. 15 TO: FROM: RE: ATTACHMENT #~TO REPORI' # PD ,~2 .~' -0 ~z Chair and Members of the Watershed Management Advisory Board Meeting #2/04, April 16, 2004 Adele Freeman, Acting Director, Watershed Management Division IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK AWATERSHED PLAN FOR DUFFINS CREEK AND CARRUTHERS CREE~ KEY ISSUE Approval to proceed with the implementation of A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek. RECOMMENDATION THE BOARD RECOMMENDS TO THE AUTHORITY THAT one member of the Watershed Management Advisory Board and one member of the Sustainable Communities Board be appointed to the Duffins Carruthers Watershed Resource Group (DCWRG) to represent the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA); THAT TRCA staff work closely with municipal staff to assist in preparing their staff reports to council in support of the implementation framework; THAT other watershed residents and stewards be asked to consider opportunities to implement the watershed plan, as part of, or in addition to, their existing programs; THAT staff continue to consult with federal and provincial agencies, local and regional municipalities and watershed residents to assign individuals to the DCWRG as outlined in the implementation model; THAT staff work closely with municipal and regional councils and staff to build capaCity within the local areas for the implementation of the watershed plan and to assist with the recruitment of local residents and organizations for involvement; THAT staff work with currently active local watershed residents and organizations to create opportunities for further involvement and for consideration of opportunities to implement the watershed plan, as part of, or in addition to, their existing activities and programs; THAT a report be submitted to the Authority identifying the proposed membership, including the TRCA representation for formal approval; THAT as defined by their Terms of Reference, the DCWRG report back twice a year to the Watershed Management Advisory Board regarding the progress of implementing the watershed plan; AND FURTHER THAT the municipal clerks within the study area be so advised for the information of their council. ATTACHMENT #?...~TO REPORT # PD ~ .5''~ 0 ~:~ BACKGROUND At Authority Meeting #5/03, held on June 27, 2003, the Authority received A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek and adopted the plan as part of their plan input and review process. At that time, staff requested the opportunity to consult with the watershed municipalities to finalize a Terms of Reference for an "Implementation Team" and report back. Unlike other watersheds in the TRCA's jurisdiction, a significant portion of the lands within these two watersheds are in public ownership, are considered healthy as defined by the Remedial Action Plan (RAP) Area of Concern (AOC) and other standards, and have identifiable local efforts underway in the various reaches. Based on these unique attributes, it was determined that a new implementation model may be warranted. In moving forward t° implement the plan, TRCA retained Sue Cumming of Cumming and Company to carry out independent stakeholder interviews to discuss various ways to put in place an effective implementation strategy. Through the discussions, a number of potential scenarios were developed, and through over thirty stakeholder interviews and a full day workshop session, the DCWRG model was developed. The DCWRG is a strategic group of community_based watershed partners who will work with TRCA towards resourcing the plan implementation through priority setting, advocacy, stewardship and outreach, applied research and experimental managernent, and education and science transfer. Membership of the DCWRG is intended to be representative of many stakeholders and partners at the government and non .government levels, with opportunities for residents and organizations to be involved in leading a particular function or in participating through a project or ongoing activity. The DCWRG will work with local and regional municipalities and watershed residents and organizations to build community capacity through the creation of linkages with local initiatives and the recruitment of individuals and organizations to assist with the implementation of the watershed plan. In February 2004, the provincial government released a White Paper on Watershed Based Source Protection Planning which includes the proposed actions to protect the quality of Ontario's drinking water supplies. TRCA, through Conservation Ontario, has been actively advocating a watershed_based approach to drinking water source protection. Mr. Justice Dennis O'Connor led the Walkerton Commission of Inquiry. In the Part 2'. report of this inquiry, released May 2002, Justice O'Connor recommended that a watershed resource based source protection program be established as a part of a multi_barrier approach to drink~g water safety. The province, in consultation with Conservation Ontario, is establishing Watershed Regions for the purposes of timely and efficient delivery of source water protection plans. Although discussions are ongoing, it appears that the Credit Valley, Toronto and Region, and Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority's will be included as one Watershed Region for administrative purposes. With this Watershed Region, source water protection plans will be developed on a watershed basis. The DCWRG will be requested to serve as an advisory group to TRCA in the development of a source protection plan for the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek watersheds. The term of the DCWRG will coincide with the municipal council term, and as such will commence in spring, 2004 and continue to November, 2006. The DCWRG is comprised of a group of individuals from the federal and provincial governments, local and regional municipalities, local watershed residents and organizations who will collaborate on the following 6 key functions: Advocacy and Networkinq To build profile, advocate for, and seek commitment for, the implementation of the watershed plan. Funding and Resources To facilitate ways and means of funding and resourcing the plan implementation. Communication and Interface To build awareness and keep all people informed about progress in Watershed Plan implementation. Stewardship and Outreach To build capacity for implementation. Education & Science Transfer To educate and interpret scientific content of Watershed Management. Applied Research / Experimental Research To advance and promote the use of scientific knowledge of the watersheds and monitor results. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Watershed municipalities will be taking reports forward to councils for appointments to the Duffins Carruthers Watershed Resource Group. Functional team members will be established in consultation with watershed municipalities. FINANCIAL DETAILS Provisions for these activities are provided through annual budget allocations. Report prepared by: Gary Bowen, extension 5385 For Information contact: Gary Bowen, extension 5385 Date: April 7, 2004 Attachments: 1 ATTACHMENT# '~ TO REPORI' # PD, ~ ~'- c3,7~ Attachment 1 DUFFINS CREEK AND CARRUTHERS CREEK WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP 2004 _ 2006 Goals, Membership, Organization and Terms of Reference Toronto and Region Conservation Authority April 2004 DUFFINS AND CARRUTHERS WATERSHED RESOURCE GROUP TERMS OF REFERENCE, GOALS, MEMBERSHIP AND ORGANIZATION 1.0 AUTHORITY DIRECTION In October 2000, Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) launched a new vision The Living City, a new kind of community where human settlement can flourish fore~--~'r as part of nature's beauty and diversity. The Living City is a broad vision that can be achieved with the help of our partners and the community. The aim is to build a foundation of healthy rivers and shorelines, regional biodiversity and sustainable communities. In support of The Living City vision and building upon the experience gained from previous watershed planning initiatives, TRCA advanced its community_based process and technical approaches in the development of A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek. At Authority Meeting #5/03, held on June 27, 2003, the Authority received A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek and adopted the plan as part of TRCA/:Es plan input and review process. At that time, staff requested the opportunity to go back out and consult with the watershed municipalities and key stakeholders to finalize a Terms of Reference for an Implementation Team and report back: to the Authority. The Duffins Carruthers Watershed Resource Group (DCWRG), as defined in this Terms of Reference, is a result of that consultation. 2.0 3.0 GOAL The goal of the Duffins Carruthers Watershed Resource Group is to work towards advocacy and networking, funding and resources, communication and interface, stewardship and outreach, education and science transfer and applied research/experimental design towards the implementation of A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek. The DCWRG will work with local and regional municipalities and watershed residents and organizations to build community capacity through support, direction and two_way communication with existing local driven initiatives, and through the recruitment of other individuals and organizations to assist with the implementation of the watershed plan. MEMBERSHIP Membership on the DCWRG is intended to be representative of the many stakeholders and partners at the government and non_government levels, with opportunities for residents and organizations to be involved in leading a particular function or in participating through a project or ongoing activity. The composition of the group includes the following representation and consist of approximately 20 members under the following two headings: Functional Team Members Advocacy and Networking Funding and Resources Stewardship and Outreach Communication and Interface Education and Science Transfer Applied Research Partner Representatives TRCA_ Chair of the Authority, Ex Officio _ A member of the Sustainability Communities Board _ A member of the Watershed Management Advisory Board _ The Duffins and Carruthers Creek Watershed Specialist _ Regional Municipality of York Town ofWhitchurch Stouffville Town of Markham _ Regional Municipality of Durham _ Township of Uxbridge _ City of Pickering _ Town of Ajax Federal Government _ Provincial Government _ Golf Course Industry _ Aggregate Producers 3.1 Locally Driven Initiatives Many local initiatives are recognized within the study area and the'individuals leading these groups have been consulted regarding the structure of the DCWRG. Rather than ask these group members to redirect their energy and resources towards the DCWRG, they will continue with their work plans and be supported in their efforts through the Functional Team Roles as outlined above. TRCA staff and DCWRG will coordinate watershed actions with locally' driven initiatives to create opportunities for further involvement for mutual benefit. The DCWRG will work with local and regional municipalities and watershed residents and organizations to build community capacity through the creation of linkages with local initiatives and the recruitment of individuals and organizations to assist with the implementation of the watershed plan. A'rT'ACHMENT #_ ~ ..... TO REPOR'[ # PD. o~ ~' -- o ~. ..... 3.2 3.3 3.4 Appointment of Representatives TRCA staff will request representation for the Authority members. Through the ongoing consultative process, individuals have, and will continue to be, approached regarding their roles as part of the Functional Team or Partner representation. 3.2.1. ReRional and Local Municipal Representative-~ The regional and local municipalities will be requested by 'the TRCA to confirm the participation of a council member to the Duffins Carruthers Watershed Resource Group. A municipality may appoint a current Authority member. The appointed member should represent an electoral ward within the Duffins or Carruthers watersheds. 3.2.2, Federal and Provincial Representatives Letters of invitation will be sent to the federal government ,~Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada) and the provincial government (Ministries of Environment, Natural Resources and Agricultural and Rural Affairs) requesting appointment of representatives. 3.2.3 A_q_~re,qate Producers TRCA will request the Aggregate Producers Association o1" Ontario to appoint a representative to the Duffins Carruthers Watershed Resource Group. 3.2.4. Golf Course Industry TRCA will request the golf course industry to appoint a representative to the Duffins Carruthers Watershed Resource Group. 3.2.5. Watershed Residents and Non Government Agencies TRCA, in consultation with member municipalities, will identify candidates for the functional team members to be ratified by the Authority. Term of Appointment The Duffins Carruthers Watershed Resource Group roles, responsibilities and representation will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. A formal review will take place after a two_year term in 2006. Selection of Chair and Vice-Chair The Chair and/or Vice_Chair will be elected by the Duffins Carruthers Watershed Resource Group members. The Authority may appoint an interim chair until such time that an election can be held. The TRCA staff representative on the DCWRG will not be eligible to be Chair or Vice Chair. 3.5 Reporting Relationship A DCWRG representative will report, at least on a semi annual basis, on projects and progress to the Watershed Management Advisory ~'oard of TRCA. 4.0 RESOURCES AVAILABLE 4.1 TRCA Support The TRCA will provide administrative and technical staff support for the DCWRG as determined'by the Duffins and Carruthers Creek Watershed Specialist and budgets approved by the Authority. 4,2 Other Resources Funding may be available for projects and activities based on available TRCA funding. Watershed municipalities and partners will be encouraged to secure other resources and partnerships for watershed projects and activities whenever possible. In_kind or other support for projects and activities will be welcome from businesses, industries, other government agencies, private foundations, educational institutions and others in accordance with TRCA policies. In_kind or other support will be coordinated with the assistance of The Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto, where appropriate. 5.0 COMPENSATION DCWRG members will be eligible for travel expenses in accordance to the TRCA Travel Expenses policy. 6.0 RULES OF CONDUCT The DCWRG will adhere to the TRCA/Es Rules of Conduct. 7.0 RESPONSIBILITIES 7.1 Functional Areas The DCWRG is a strategic group of watershed partners who work towards irnplementing the watershed plan. They are the driving force in the model and are comprised of partner representatives and six Functional Team Members under the following headings: 7.1.1 Advocacy and Networkinq Key Function: To build profile, advocate for, and seek commitment for, the implementation of the watershed plan. Sample Activities: Keep the long term view and big picture at the forefront; Keep it a priority; Seek full endorsement and support politically; Develop a Marketing Strategy. 7.1.2 Fundinq and Resources Key Function: To facilitate ways and means of funding and resourcing the plan implementation. Sample Activities: Explore opportunities to facilitate grants; Where desirable coordinate applications for funding; Identify and overcome barriers to resources; Develop and implement a resource plan. 7.1.3 Communication and Interface Key Function: To build awareness and keep all people informed about progress in watershed plan implementation. Sample Activities: Link people to activities and projects; Coordinate who's doing what, where (web, map, or directory); Develop and implement a communications plan. 7.1.4 Stewardship and Outreach Key Function: To build capacity for implementation. Sample Activities: Cultivate and acknowledge local champions; Engage potential new players; Outreach to environmental advisory committees. 7.1.5 Education and Science Transfer Key Function: To educate and interpret scientific content of watershed management. Sample Activities: Transfer latest knowledge about how watersheds work; Move information between municipalities and stakeholders; Elevate scientific knowledge through seminars and workshops. 7.1.6 Applied Research / Experimental Research Key Function: To advance and promote the use of scientific knowledge of the watersheds and monitor results. Sample Activities: Identify demonstration projects; Monitor results; Encourage senior governments, universities and colleges to study the watersheds. 7.2 Ensure that the implementation of A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek meets the requirements of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan; 7.3 Serve as required as an advisory group to TRCA in the development of a source protection plan for the Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek; 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 7.9 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 Work with the Town of Ajax and the TRCA to develop the planning area known locally as A9 in accordance with the integrated resource management directions outlined in the watershed plan; Continue to work with the City of Pickering to apply A Watershed Plan for Duffins Creek and Carruthers Creek in its municipal planning activities; Continue to seek opportunities for Official Plan Amendments in support of the policy changes required for full endorsement of the watershed plan; Continue ongoing discussions with Transport Canada staff at the Pickering Lands Site to ensure implementation is in line with the Green Space Master Plan; Advise the Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA) and 'Transport Canada on the directions in the watershed plan studies relating to the proposed airport in the Pickering lands; Work with the Province of Ontario on planning for future development of the Seaton Lands to ensure that the watershed plan goals, objectives and recommendations are considered; Support The Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto and their delivery of The Living City Campaign including healthy rivers and shorelines, regional biodiversity, business excellence and sustainable communities; Act as a united voice for addressing issues relevant to the municipal, provincial and federal governments; Provide a framework for meaningful community involvement in watershed management; Build capacity within the general community to deliver watershed management products and services.