STAFF REPORT
November 12, 1999
To: Planning and Transportation Committee and Works Committee
From: Barry H. Gutteridge, Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services
Subject: Watershed Initiatives throughout the City of Toronto
City Wide
Purpose:
To respond to a resolution in Report No. 5 of the Urban Environment and Development Committee, as adopted by Toronto
City Council at its meeting of April 13, 14 & 15, 1999 requesting the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services, in
consultation with The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, to report back to Committee with a list of present
watershed initiatives in different areas of the city.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
None.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that this report be received for information.
Background:
Toronto City Council, at its meeting of April 13, 14 &15, 1999, considered the issue of creating a "Council of Toronto
Watersheds" to provide support to local community groups with their watershed projects. During deliberation of that issue,
Council requested that the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services, in consultation with The Toronto & Region
Conservation Authority, report back to the Urban Planning and Development Committee with a list of watershed
initiatives. This report is in response to that request.
The City through the Works & Emergency Services Department (Water & Waste Water and Technical Services Divisions);
Economic Development, Culture & Tourism Department (Parks & Recreation and Policy & Development Divisions); and
Urban Planning & Development Services (City Planning Division) lead and are involved in a variety of watershed
initiatives.
The Works & Emergency Services Department, for example, has recently initiated the development of a Wet Weather
Flow Management Master Plan. The Plan, dealing with stormwater quality and water flow issues across the city, is being
developed on a watershed basis. A 24-member steering committee has been formed to advise on the development of the
plan. This committee consists of 12 public members and 12 staff and agency members. The Master Plan will follow the
Class Environmental Assessment Process and will engage the public and communities through a public consultation
process.
The Works & Emergency Services Department has led the development of subwatershed studies to provide a framework to
guide future redevelopment so as to mitigate the impact of urbanization on area watercourses (e.g. Morningside Tributary
& Centennial Creek). In addition, the department has undertaken stream restoration projects to address existing stream
erosion and water quality issues, using natural channel design principles (e.g. Markham Branch renaturalization). These
types of projects have engaged local community and watershed groups in the planning and implementation of remedial
works.
The Department continues to participate in watershed initiatives led by The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
(e.g. Etobicoke and Mimico Creek Watershed Taskforce). The Department will also continue to provide support for
community initiatives (e.g. planting programs by community & interest groups and the Yellow Fish Road program).
The Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department (Parks & Recreation and Policy & Development Divisions)
are responsible for parks policy, development and maintenance. Many projects undertaken by Economic Development,
Culture and Tourism Department relate to watershed restoration (e.g. High Park naturalization, Rouge Park Vegetation
Management Plan, Don Valley Brick Works, Milne Hollow, Spadina Quay, ravine stewardship & tree planting) in
partnership with community organizations, individuals and other agencies.
The Urban Planning & Development Department (City Planning Division) has been active in policy development and land
use regulation related to natural heritage protection and the stewardship of city watersheds (e.g. Task Force to Bring Back
the Don).
Comments:
'Watershed initiatives' have been broadly interpreted. Staff has attempted to consult widely within the City of Toronto and
The Toronto & Region Conservation Authority to ensure the list of watershed issues is complete.
Works and Emergency Services Department has an active program related to watershed improvements. Economic
Development, Culture and Tourism Department, through the Parks & Recreation and Policy & Development Divisions and
Urban Planning and Development Services Department are active partners in undertaking naturalization and stewardship
and in developing policy and regulations that support improved watershed health.
In preparing the list of projects it is clear that many contribute to protection, preservation and enhancement of City
watersheds. City staff undertake some initiatives; groups and individuals undertake others. Some are city funded while
other levels of government fund others. Funding is also provided by other sources including private companies and
foundations. Appendix 1 lists watershed initiatives that are being undertaken within the City of Toronto.
Conclusions:
The City, through the Works & Emergency Services; Economic Development, Culture and Tourism; and Urban Planning
and Development Services Departments, contributes to the protection, preservation and enhancement of City watersheds.
The City leads many initiatives. The City and The Toronto & Region Conservation Authority collaborate on other projects.
Community and interest groups, sometimes in partnership with the City and The Toronto & Region Conservation
Authority, lead others.
Contact:
Ann Rexe, MCIP, RPP, Brian Denney,
Team Lead, Class EA's & Subwatershed Studies Director, Watershed Management Division
Telephone: 396-7156 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
Fax: 396-5681 Telephone: 661-6600, ext. 5242
E-mail: rexe@city.scarborough.on.ca Fax: 661-6898
E-mail: bdenney@trca.on.ca
Michael A. Price, P.Eng., FICE
General Manager,
Water and Wastewater Services
Barry H. Gutteridge
Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services
AR:ca
File: x_rev1.doc