The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

Etobicoke and Mimico Creek Watersheds Strategy

Task Force Appointments

The Etobicoke Community Council recommends that:

(1)Councillor Irene Jones be appointed to the Etobicoke and Mimico Creek Watersheds Strategy Task Force; and

(2)Councillor Blake Kinahan be appointed as alternate.

The Etobicoke Community Council submits the following communication (July 19, 1999) from the Chief Administrative Officer, The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority:

In the spring of 1999, The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) initiated a watershed strategy for the Etobicoke and Mimico Creeks. A stakeholders workshop and a number of information sessions were held to inform the public of the study process and how they can become involved. A task force will be initiated in the fall of 1999, to assist in the development of an Etobicoke and Mimico Creek Watersheds Strategy to achieve sustainable, healthy watersheds.

At Meeting No. 6/99 held on June 25, 1999 (minutes enclosed), the Authority adopted Res. No. A166/99:

"THAT the membership selection, reporting procedures and terms of reference for the Etobicoke and Mimico Creek Watersheds Task Force, as described in the report dated June 1999 (attached), be approved;

THAT the Authority direct staff to confirm, with local and regional municipalities within the Etobicoke and Mimico Creek Watersheds, the appointment of a Council Member and alternate to the Task Force by September 1, 1999;

THAT the Authority direct staff to request selected federal and provincial agencies to appoint a senior employee and an alternate to the Task Force by September 1, 1999;

THAT the Authority direct staff to invite applications from the Etobicoke and Mimico Creek watershed residents to participate on the Task Force;

THAT the Authority direct staff to invite community groups, residents associations, and education representatives to apply for membership on the task force;

THAT the Authority authorize staff to take all other necessary actions to form an Etobicoke and Mimico Creek Watersheds Task Force to prepare an Etobicoke and Mimico Creek Watersheds Strategy;

THAT staff report back to the Authority on the proposed membership of the Task Force for endorsement and formal appointment."

Further, Amendment Res. No. D38/99:

"THAT Councillor Cliff Gyles, City of Mississauga, and Councillor Irene Jones, City of Toronto, assist in the interview process for citizen members of the Task Force."

In this regard, the Authority requests that a member of Etobicoke Council be appointed to the Watershed Task Force. Councillor Irene Jones has expressed an interest in participating in the strategy development. The appointment of an alternate is also requested. The alternate may be a Member of Council or a municipal staff person.

Watershed strategies are developed to provide context and recommendations for natural systems protection, restoration, environmental education, recreation, and cultural and heritage planning initiatives. To date, the TRCA has established planning task forces and completed watershed management strategies for three of the nine watersheds within its jurisdiction. In 1990, the first watershed management strategy, The Comprehensive Basin Management Strategy for the Rouge River Watershed, was produced. In 1994, Forty Steps to a New Don, was completed by the Don Watershed Task Force. In 1997, Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber and its companion document, A Call To Action - Implementing Legacy: A Strategy for a Healthy Humber, were produced by the Humber Watershed Task Force as an integrated watershed management strategy for the Humber River. Each of these documents has been adopted by the Authority.

The Etobicoke and Mimico Creek Watersheds Task Force will have a membership of approximately 30 people. Members will include elected municipal representatives, provincial and federal agency staff, and representatives from business, industry, community groups, ratepayers associations, education, and citizens residing within the watersheds. This cross-section of interests, background, and expertise will help to build the strong partnerships needed for planning and implementing the strategy.

If you have any questions or require additional information regarding the Task Force or the strategy development, please contact the undersigned at (416) 661-6600 extension No. 240 or Nancy Gaffney, Acting Etobicoke and Mimico Creek Watersheds Specialist at extension No. 313. The Authority is prepared to make a brief presentation at Council if this would be of benefit to Council Members.

(A copy of each of the attachments, referred to in the foregoing communication, was forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda for the Etobicoke Community Council meeting of September 14 and 15, 1999, and a copy of each is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)