STAFF REPORT
November 18, 1999
To: Scarborough Community Council
From: Barry H. Gutteridge, Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services
Subject: Morningside Tributary Subwatershed Study Phase 3 Implementation Plan Update
(Ward 18 - Scarborough Malvern)
Purpose:
To respond to a request by Councillor Balkisson for an update on the status of the Morningside Tributary Subwatershed
Study, as a result of a letter dated September 30, 1999 from Jim Robb, Friends of the Rouge River Watershed (Attachment
A).
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
None
Recommendations:
It is recommended that this report be received for information.
Background:
Councillor Bas Balkissoon, Chair of Scarborough Community Council, requested the Works and Emergency Services
Department to provide an update of the status of Phase 3, Implementation Plan for the Morningside Tributary
Subwatershed Study to Scarborough Community. Councillor Balkissoon also provided a copy of a letter from Mr. Jim
Robb, Friends of the Rouge Watershed. This report provides the status of the subwatershed study and comments on the
challenges and opportunities identified in the letter from Mr. Jim Robb, from Friends of the Rouge Watershed.
The former City of Scarborough initiated a subwatershed study of Morningside Tributary of the Rouge River (in
Scarborough and the Town of Markham) in the early 1990's. The study was undertaken to assess existing conditions,
provide for systematic improvements to stormwater management, recommend mitigative measures and suggest a strategy
on a subwatershed basis.
In July 1998, Toronto City Council approved the Morningside Tributary Study - Subwatershed Plan (Phase 2). The
Implementation phase was delayed to await consideration of the land use for the Morningside Heights development at the
Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). The Ontario Municipal Board reached their decision on Morningside Heights official
plan designation in early 1999 and supported the preservation of watercourse corridors and natural areas, largely as
recommended in the subwatershed study. Staff are about to begin the final phase including the development of an
Implementation Plan to detail the recommended improvements and other strategic measures for protecting, preserving and
enhancing the subwatershed area.
Mr. Jim Robb of Friends of the Rouge Watershed (FRW) has actively commented on the subwatershed study during the
whole process. As well, he was a party at the Ontario Municipal Board Hearing on Morningside Heights. Mr. Robb has
raised his concerns about drowning hazards and pollution during the subwatershed study.
Comments:
Staff are aware of the concerns raised by Friends of the Rouge Watershed in Mr. Robb's letter and the concerns will be
considered in the development of the Implementation Plan. Mr. Robb also provides new suggestions, not considered
previously, regarding the use of land parcels for stormwater management purposes. Staff will meet with Mr. Robb to
discuss these suggestions further.
Friends of the Rouge Watershed have requested full on-site stormwater management for new development. This request is
consistent with the existing requirement that the plan of subdivision development applications are to provide stormwater
quality and quantity control.
Conclusions:
Staff continue to consider the concerns of Friends of the Rouge Watershed in the preparation of the Implementation Plan
for the Morningside Tributary Subwatershed Study and will meet with them to discuss new suggestions and ideas.
Contact:
Ann Rexe, MCIP, RPP,
Team Lead, Class EA's & Subwatershed Studies,
Telephone: 396-7156 Fax: 396-5681
Rexe@city.scarborough.on.ca
Wayne Green, P.Eng.
Director of Quality Control and System Planning
Water & Wastewater Services
Works & Emergency Services
List of Attachments:
Letter from Jim Robb dated September 30, 1999
