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Dedicated efforts by the Don Watershed Regeneration Council (DWRC), and Region Conservation (TRCA) and its partners are producing tangible results. A walk through the valley today reveals kilometres of new parkland trails and interpretive signs, thousands of fresh plantings and hundreds of nesting boxes for local wildlife. Litter and debris is being collected and hauled away. Abandoned industrial sites are being reclaimed. Stormwater ponds are being created to control flow levels. And dams and weirs reconstructed to allow fish to pass upstream. But despite all the progress, there are difficult challenges ahead. The integrated watershed management plan being developed will not only have to maintain the current momentum for change, it must also address emerging environmental concerns about global warming and air pollution, the threat of invasive species, and the ecological stress caused by development and population growth.

The Don Watershed Regeneration Council (DWRC) is a volunteer, watershed-wide advisory committee established by TRCA in 1994 to help restore the watershed to a healthy, sustainable, natural environment. The DWRC is a sub-committee of TRCA’s Watershed Management Advisory Board and is composed of community members, elected officials and representatives from municipalities, agencies, businesses, environmental non-governmental organizations and academic institutions located within or concerned with the future of the watershed.

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welve years isn’t a very long time in the lifecycle of a river. We realize that we can only highlight a handful of the important Don River Watershed: Legend On the geological scale, it’s little more than a ripple breaking initiatives that have been launched, and hope to present a represen- T BAYVIEW AVE. Survey of Stormwater Control Municipal Boundary across the water’s surface on a still summer’s day. Or the flash tative sampling of the hundreds of remediation projects undertaken DUFFERIN ST Pond or Reservoir (conditions as of 2005) of silver as a trout flicks away and down into a dark pool. and conservation work that’s been started. Watercourse KIRBY RD. Major Road

. Nevertheless, the last 12 years have marked a critical shift in Much of this work remains unfinished. Reversing two hundred ORM Boundary

404 HWY the fortunes of the Don. Over that time, the river’s slow decline years of ill use and neglect takes both time and money. Polluted Patt Creeers Area Controlled on Richmond has been checked, and the first steps towards the watershed’s storm water and runoff still flows unchecked into the river every k Hill Quantity Control Only resurrection as a healthy, vibrant ecosystem have been taken. time it rains. Contaminants are carried in from combined sewer MAJOR MACKENZIE DR. Quantity and Quality Control Only overflows and illegal cross-connections between storm and sani- Westminster We st Don Cr eek Greenbelt/Rural Area Since the publication of the regeneration strategy Forty Steps to Ri Creek ve tary sewers, and seep in from dozens of abandoned landfills. Air r Developed, no control Cu mmer Cr a New Don in 1994, thousands of volunteers and business people, ee STEELES AVE. pollutants drift into the watershed from smokestacks hundreds Markham k Ea

400 HWY st Don kilometres politicians and government agencies, citizens’ groups and environ- Ri ve of kilometres away, and from the tail pipes of cars and trucks D r uncan C reek mental professionals have worked both independently and together WARDEN AVE. on local roads. Fi sher York Creek DON MILLS RD. with Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) to translate that vi lle ambitious environmental blueprint into reality. We have to keep our focus. Governments forget their promises. 407 HWY. Toronto YONGE ST Whitchurch- KEELE ST. Business leaders shift priorities. Activists tackle other challenges. Mono Stouffville Adjala-Tosorontio Uxbridge W Both collectively and individually, we are striving to protect what e Aurora st King The media moves on to the next calamity or crisis. Even concerned Don . is healthy, regenerate what is degraded and take responsibility River Richmond Pickering citizens can be lulled into complacency. Hill Rouge for the Don. Markham Ajax Humber DeerlickCreek Caledon After 12 years of hard work, we again stand at a pivotal point in VE. W East Vaughan ilket Work has just begun. We have laid the groundwork, forged part- River Don EGLINTON A Highland the life of the watershed. We know what needs to be done, the Cr eek

Toronto nerships, won the support of residents, and shown politicians at all . plans are being drafted and the call for funding has gone out. lson 401 HWY Wi Brampton e Brook Brook levels of government what can be accomplished—and what more Burk

We can rescue, rehabilitate and revitalize the Don if we can stay WILLIAM R. ALLEN RD. ey needs to be done. And there is so much more that must be done. Walmsl the course, build on our successes and maintain the momentum. Brook Mississauga Taylor/Mass ey TRCA Jurisdiction (DWRC’s) Creek In this, the Don Watershed Regeneration Council’s We must also be prepared to respond to new environmental threats Don River Watershed

fourth Progress Report, we celebrate some of the notable successes Yel lo C as they arise—and be afforded the political, corporate and communi- reek w

enjoyed over the last 12 years. These stories mirror the intercon- ty support needed to meet them—if we are to get on with the job. Low er

D nected themes of the regeneration workplan set out in Forty Steps T. on . BLOOR S River to a New Don: Caring for Water, Caring for Nature, Caring It’s time to forge a new deal for the Don. QUEEN ST for Community and Getting it Done. Lake

Toronto Harbour

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caring forwater lanning is well underway for Heavy rains can cause combined Toronto’s sewer use by-law, rewritten On April 1, 2004, Toronto’s landmark P the naturalization of the mouth sewers to overflow. The untreated in 2000, is designed to keep heavy pesticide by-law came into force, of the Don, finally restoring the eco- sewage bypasses the treatment plant metals, waste oil, solvents, grease banning the outdoor use of herbi- logical link between the river valley and is discharged directly into the and other dangerous toxics out of cides, insecticides and fungicides and the waterfront. Combining the Don River or . The City the city’s sewers. Industrial waste on public and private property. The area around the , of Toronto is developing an environ- enforcement officers routinely sample move shuts off one of the major the proposed Don Greenway and mental assessment study which pro- sanitary and storm sewer discharges. sources of poisonous contaminants the adjoining Commissioners Park, poses to twin the Coxwell sanitary The by-law also requires industries into the river. Richmond Hill, Mark- some 60 hectares of derelict land will trunk sewer and further define the in certain sectors to prepare manda- ham and Vaughan have all adopted be transformed into green parkland, system of underground storage tory pollution prevention plans. strategies to reduce pesticide use: interlaced with pedestrian walkways facilities needed to contain storm- Contravention can bring fines as Markham has endorsed a pesticide- and bike paths. Spectacular views, water overflow until it can be prop- high as $100,000 a day. York Region free parks project; Vaughan’s policy treed enclaves, secluded wetlands erly treated. Both the Don Council The City of Toronto is planting trees and also adopted a tough new sewer use covers city-owned property, while shrubs to reduce stormwater runoff and and a restored shoreline will provide and local community groups have enhance the natural heritage of key woodlots. by-law in January 2005. Both Toronto Richmond Hill’s includes private habitat for wildlife, while protecting long advocated the need for such and Vaughan have established sustain- property. All these municipalities the neighbourhoods to the south stormwater management facilities. Approximately 140 ponds have been ability programs to help small-and encourage residents to adopt pesti- and east from flooding. completed or are currently underway, medium-sized businesses embrace cide-free lawn and garden practices. One way to keep rainwater out including those at , pollution prevention (P2) practices. of storm sewers is to divert it onto The City of Toronto’s Water Pollution Terraview Willowfield Park, Killian- Technical and financial assistance our gardens and lawns. Unlike most Solution, approved in September Lamar Pond, Harding Park, Rupert’s is available, through their association new homes, the downspouts of 2003, provides a blueprint for the Pond, Pioneer Park, Leitchcroft Pond with the Ontario Centre for Environ- many older residences in the City remediation and management of and Moccasin Trail Park mental Technology Advancement stormwater and combined sewer of Toronto are tied directly into the (OCETA), for conducting P2 assess- storm sewer network. The city will overflows for the entire city. The first Road salt degrades river ecosystems ments that can slash sewer discharges, disconnect a homeowner’s eave- 25-year phase of the 100-year plan, and groundwater resources, corrodes air pollutants and hazardous wastes. strough downspout free of charge which will cost $42 million a year to municipal infrastructure, and poses a In addition, a Trillium Grant has and add a splash pad, extension or implement, gives priority to dealing risk to terrestrial and aquatic life. New been awarded to OCETA to conduct rain barrel, if necessary. The city is with rain and snow where it falls, road salt management plans adopted workshops and P2 education in now studying a mandatory down- followed by upgrading sewers and in Richmond Hill, Toronto, Markham, York Region. spout disconnect program. improving “end-of-pipe” treatment. Vaughan and York Region promote Environmental assessments are no-salt/low-salt practices and other Toronto and Region Conservation’s Healthy Throughout the watershed, a number Yards program provides residents with the underway for a number of projects alternate de-icing strategies. These of stormwater management ponds inspiration, information and tools required and stormwater management criteria communities also have implemented to create naturally beautiful and sustainable are helping to moderate high water have been developed for both new more stringent salt handling, spread- lawns and gardens. Through workshops, fact conditions, balance flow patterns and sheets, a website, and prepackaged garden developments and redeveloped sites. ing and storage methods and under- improve water quality in the Don River. and lawn kits, residents are being encouraged taken assessments of environmentally to maintain pesticide-free lawns and gardens. responsible snow disposal. Š From flooding and erosion control, to turbidity and habitat destruction, the management of water flows is still the number one unresolved issue affecting the long-term health of the watershed Š Restoring and protecting the Don is key to meeting our international commitments and completing the remedial action plan for the Lake Ontario “Area of Concern” that centres around the Toronto region Š While there are no active dumps in the Don watershed, investigators have mapped 47 abandoned landfill sites. These all operated before environmental regulations were in place and were built without liners or leachate collection systems.

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Š Contaminated runoff is carried by storm sewers and combined sewer overflows into the Don River after every storm. Heavy rainfall events often overload combined sewers in the city centre, causing untreated sewage to be discharged directly into the river Š When a severe storm hit the on August 19, 2005, it caused wide-spread basement flooding, damage to infrastructure and property, and severe stream bank erosion as a result of flash flooding of creeks and rivers. This storm, which in some areas of the Don was recorded as being greater than a one-in-100-years event, has been estimated by the insurance industry to be the most expensive natural disaster in Ontario’s history.

Š Stormwater runoff, with its load of fertilizers, pesticides, pet droppings, oil and grease from roads, silt and other contaminants, is the greatest source of pollution in the Don. Not only does it affect the water quality of the river, it eventually flows down the Don and makes its way into Toronto Harbour and Lake Ontario Š Investigators have identified 28 seriously contaminated stormwater outfalls out of the 252 that empty into Taylor-Massey Creek. Upstream surveys have uncovered a number of improper cross connections both from residences and large commercial operations Š From 2003 through 2005, there were 361 spills or releases of hazardous or potentially toxic material in the Don watershed reported to the provincial Ministry of the Environment—one spill almost every three days.

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caring for nature number of in-stream fish barriers Can residential development and In 2005, Markham launched Growing a green canopy over the city Athat have blocked the upstream environmental protection co-exist? the Pomona Mills Creek Erosion is one of the goals of Our Common movement of fish and other aquatic The proposed Dreamwood subdivi- Restoration and Habitat Enhance- Grounds, the 15-year strategic action organisms through the Don River sion planned on a 40-hectare section ment Study to consider alternative plan for Toronto Parks, Forestry and have been removed or reconfigured. in Vaughan, proves that it can. Du- rehabilitation schemes for the creek. Recreation. Approved by city council On the East Don River, three weirs ring the approvals process, provision A number of priorities have been in July 2004, a 20-point urban forestry south of Lawrence Avenue have been was made to protect both a wetland identified, including fish barrier miti- plan will more than double the cur- reconstructed, as has the weir at the on the site and a valley corridor link- gation, stream bank erosion mitiga- rent forest canopy from 17 per cent Donalda Golf Course and an obstruc- ing the wetland with the nearby tion, flood and water quality improve- to between 30 and 40 per cent, while tion at York Mills/Don Mills. On the McGill Environmentally Sensitive ments, site-specific storm water supporting the city’s Natural Heritage West Don, the Concord Floral Dam Area. In addition, funds were com- improvements, water supply issues, Strategy and its Parkland Naturali- was removed, while plans are under- mitted by the developer for wetland recreational trail links and control of zation Program. Annual plantings, way to remove a barrier to fish pas- mitigation or other regeneration upstream development impacts. An example of a green roof project. public outreach efforts, and service sage along where it works, a monitoring plan, installation levels would all be increased Hundreds of hectares of urban roof- meets the West Don, allowing fish of a clean water collection system Seeing nature as a system, rather than under the plan. tops could be transformed into green to travel as far as . and a brochure to educate residents. a series of individual pieces, ensures spaces, reducing runoff, increasing While these have been significant The settlement was negotiated by that natural areas can be managed shade, clearing the air and cooling accomplishments, much more work TRCA, with the support of the City on a holistic and comprehensive the city. Toronto’s pilot Green Roof remains to be done further upstream. of Vaughan’s planning staff. manner for maximum local benefit. Strategy, adopted by city council Toronto and Region Conservation in 2006, provides subsidies of up to The remediation of contaminated The first sections of the Bartley initiated the Terrestrial Natural $20,000 to encourage both new and industrial or “brownfield” sites is a Smith Greenway, a natural corridor Heritage System Strategy to define retrofitted green roof projects on difficult challenge in the urban envi- that runs 15 kilometres through the the existing quality of the natural private properties. This strategy is ronment. The historic Don Valley valley of the Upper West Don River, areas under its jurisdiction and to an important contributor to the Brick Works project incorporates were opened officially in June 2001. assess the options for reversing or long-term sustainability of one of preserved architectural features, Over the last two years, the Friends stemming the ecological effects of ’s most urbanized watersheds. natural plantings and regeneration of the Bartley Smith Greenway have urbanization. This overarching strate- areas, and an internationally signifi- worked with staff at TRCA and the gy defines a target natural heritage An aging tree canopy, beset by air cant geological site. , City of Vaughan to plant more than system to guide more detailed local pollutants, pests, poor drainage and Toronto is planting trees on city-owned buried beneath the former quarry 4,900 native trees, shrubs and aquatic strategies, such as those developed other stresses, needs to be preserved street allowances in front of residential for more than 100 years, was finally plants, haul more than 1.6 tonnes by Richmond Hill or the City of properties without charge, while LEAF and protected, replaced and expand- “daylighted” and re-routed through of garbage out of the river valley, Toronto. It also assists in identifying (Local Enhancement and Appreciation ed. Vaughan has enacted a by-law of Forests) subsidizes the backyard (Chinook Salmon found at the mouth of the Don River) a series of five new wetlands on its install more than 200 nesting boxes, areas with the greatest restoration to protect trees on public property, planting of native trees and shrubs. way back to the Don, providing habi- decorate 23 garbage cans, work with and enhancement potential. while Toronto has extended the pro- tat for many species of terrestrial and local businesses and schools on Š Salmon have been reported in the Don River as far up as John Street and Uplands Golf Course, and north of the old dam above Cummer on German Mills. There have even been unconfirmed sightings as far tection to ravines and private proper- aquatic wildlife. The Evergreen Found- restoration and clean-up projects, ty as well. York Region restricts tree north as Highway 7 Š Between 2002 and 2005, surveys showed fish habitat improving at 22 per cent of regional watershed monitoring stations, declining at nine per cent of the sites and showing no change at ation is currently transforming the der- monitor wildlife, build trails and cutting in woodlots, Markham has the remaining 69 per cent Š Redside dace, a fish species of special concern, is on the verge of disappearing from the watershed and can be found in only a few very isolated headwater locations. The Don is one elict buildings on the site into an envi- bridges, host educational workshops undertaken a Tree By-law Study to of the last locations in which this species can be found in rivers within TRCA’s jurisdiction Š In 2005, walleye in spawning condition were collected in the Lower Don River. This discovery provides further evidence ronmentally based community centre. and interpretive hikes, and install review the management and protection interpretive signs and displays. of a growing population of the species in the Don Š Of the 42 fish species that originally lived in the Don River, only 21 species remain; most of these are considered “pollution tolerant.” The greatest diversity of trees on public property, and Rich- of fish is found in the upper reaches of the river. mond Hill has adopted a Tree Preserv- ation Policy and Strategy which aims for 25 per cent of forest cover. Forging a new deal for the Don, 2006 | 9 990_FINAL_Don_Report.qxp 5/17/2007 9:26 AM Page 10

Š There are 83 different kinds of breeding birds, 12 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 14 species of mammals living in the watershed. Of these, 72 are deemed “species of local concern” by TRCA Š The valleys of the Don watershed serve as a major flyway for migrating birds. Over 200 species of birds breed in the watershed or use the valley corridor as part of their migration route Š Investigators have identified some 358 in-stream barriers and stream crossings that impact aquatic habitat and could limit movement of fish and other species.

(Black-crowned Night-Heron)

Š As of 2002, 80 per cent of the watershed has been urbanized. Of the 20 per cent that remains, nine per cent is forested, less than seven per cent is covered with meadows, four per cent is agriculture, and just half a per cent is wetland, marsh or open water Š Toronto and Region Conservation biologists have identified 441 native species of trees, shrubs and wildflowers in the Don watershed. Of these, 296 are considered “species of local concern” by TRCA Š Patches of old-growth forest have survived in the Don watershed, including stands in and sections of Crothers’ Woods near the Millwood Bridge in . Other high-quality, mature forests can be found in the Rosedale area and in the Reserve Š Unless checked, prolific foreign flora and fauna will continue to overwhelm and displace indigenous species, disrupt native ecosystems, reduce biodiversity and foil attempts to regenerate natural areas.

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caring for communities omplementing the naturaliza- The first Sunday in May 2006 marked The Task Force to Bring Back the Local community groups continue C tion efforts at the mouth of the the 13th annual Paddle the Don Don advises on to champion important stewardship Don, the award-winning design for event. Each year, between 300 and a wide range of Don watershed issues. projects throughout the watershed. the West Don Lands revitalization 400 eager paddlers navigate the Don Since completing the Chester Springs For example, the Friends of Little project will transform a downtown River from Ernest Thompson Seton Marsh in 1997, the group has created , the Friends of brownfield area into a vital new Park down to the mouth of the river or enhanced a number of wetlands, Settlers Park and the Pomona Mills urban community. The innovative at the Keating Channel. While the including the Binscarth Swamp, the Conservationists all act as park project, estimated to cost $231 million event is free, donations are encour- Lonsdale Wet Meadow, the Glen Edyth ambassadors through the Town of and take 15 to 20 years to complete, aged and the Corporate Canoe and Roycroft Wetlands, the Beltline Markham’s Adopt-a-Park Program, includes new parks and public spaces, Challenge rewards those firms that Pond, the Riverdale Farm Ponds and undertaking litter clean-ups, plantings a school and daycares, a public transit raise the most funds. Over the past the Beechwood Wetland. The Task and other park-improvement activities. line and some 6,000 units of housing. four years, participants in canoes, Force’s community stewardship pro- The West Don Lands Committee has kayaks, and most recently on foot gram initiative has been adopted by The Sherwood Park Advisory Com- been a persistent champion of the down the adjacent paths, have raised Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation mittee, with representatives from The Town of Richmond Hill has erected water- project, which will require the on- some $88,500 that is earmarked for and extended across the city. The Task nine stakeholder groups and the crossing signs to remind residents that the water- going cooperation and support of all naturalization and regeneration work Force continues to host public educa- local councillor, works to protect and shed is an integral part of their community. three levels of government through in the watershed. tion and stewardship events. enhance the natural features of the the Revitalization park, and enhance its recreational RiverSides has been active since 1995, Corporation, working with TRCA, For eight years, the annual Richmond Between 2004 and 2006, volunteers potential in a manner consistent demonstrating urban watershed Ontario Realty Corporation, City Hill Mill Pond Splash has celebrated with the East Don Parkland Partners with its natural heritage. The com- leadership and creating “RiverSafe” of Toronto and Toronto Community the headwaters of the Don River with have planted 1,800 trees and shrubs, mittee’s volunteer team, consisting communities, where individual Housing Corporation. outreach activities that encourage com- and 1,200 wildflowers. The group also of students, residents and businesses, homeowners and companies take munity stewardship and environmental is a strong advocate for Don issues, organizes more than 100 work events action to control stormwater and awareness. At this family-oriented such as community access and good annually, including planting, water- reduce contamination of the Don event, participants can view environ- planning practices. Many of the ing, mulching, controlling invasive River. RiverSides maintains a website mental and wildlife exhibits, plant trees group's planting projects are self- species, protecting sensitive areas packed with how-to info, hosts the and shrubs, build bird houses, join funded through events like its annual and general park maintenance. annual Water in the City Walk and nature walks, and enjoy refreshments, Quest for Chowder dinner, as well as the RiverSafe Carwash Campaign, music and other entertainment. support from foundations, businesses The Friends of Glendon Forest and operates programs to promote and all levels of government. have been working with the City energy and water conservation, Mountain biking has become of Toronto and TRCA for more than and solid waste reduction. extremely popular throughout the Over the last three years, the Friends 10 years to ensure the sustainability watershed, sometimes placing pres- of the Don East have hosted some of this environmentally sensitive The Taylor Massey Project engages sure on environmentally sensitive 25 public education events on such area located in the Lower West Don local residents and 23 partner organi- areas. The Toronto Trails Program varied topics as pesticide-free and River valley. The community group zations in “reach-level” stewardship is working with local mountain bikers natural gardening, tree identification, has undertaken streambank stabiliza- groups to celebrate and protect Taylor and the International Mountain the removal of invasive species and tion projects and trail improvements, Massey Creek and its watershed. As part of the West Don Lands project, a Biking Association to create a more protecting water quality. They have participated in multi-stakeholder Over the last four years, the project landform and other works will be construct- sustainable trail system through also conducted hikes and walks, given consultations on the impacts of has hosted 44 events, involving 2,465 ed to protect more than 210 hectares of land Crothers’ Woods. At the same time, presentations at local high schools, human use, and organized tree and participants, who picked up hundreds Š Up to 6,400 cars an hour travel along the into the city every workday, spewing out a mix of smog-forming pollutants and greenhouse gases. Surprisingly, almost as many drivers west of the river from flooding. Combined of bags of garbage and planted over with the flood protection works being under- the City of Toronto is developing organized a number of plantings, riparian plantings, clean-ups and 1,800 trees and shrubs. The project travel north out the city every morning as come in to work Š Over the last four years—from 2003 through 2006—York Region and the City of Toronto suffered through 30 smog advisories issued by the taken at the mouth of the Don, these projects a master plan for the woods that clean-ups and other restoration proj- other events. will address the greatest flood risk area will accommodate trail users, while ects with their school, community, advocates a watershed management Ontario Ministry of the Environment, covering a total of 85 days Š In the last two years, volunteers have marked an estimated 1,930 storm drains with the distinctive “Yellow Fish” logo and visited approach to the city’s Water Pollution within TRCA’s jurisdiction. respecting nature, and provide a agency and corporate partners. 4,140 homes throughout the watershed to inform residents of the sewers’ connection to the river Š In 2005 and 2006, TRCA’s popular Watershed on Wheels (WOW) program visited local schools, model for future work in the city. Solution and the extension of a trail along the whole creek. The group’s engaging 8,039 participants in classroom projects about freshwater ecosystems and the things we can do to enjoy and protect them Š There are now 43 certified Eco-Schools in the Don watershed, website provides a virtual tour of the providing a holistic environmental perspective to students by teaching ecological literacy, waste reduction, energy conservation and school-ground greening. creek, identifies problems, provides suggestions for remediation and offers self-guided tours. Forging a new deal for the Don, 2006 | 13 990_FINAL_Don_Report.qxp 5/17/2007 9:27 AM Page 14

getting it done uch of what has been accom- For the past five years, a team of The Richmond Hill Naturalists foster Mplished is due to the effective volunteers has gathered much of public interest in nature and promote grassroots advocacy of local resi- the information needed to assess the preservation of the area’s natural dents’ associations and citizens’ ecosystem health at nine sites in the heritage. The Naturalists have conduct- groups, which have helped win over Don watershed as part of TRCA’s ed a Christmas Bird Count in south many municipal politicians to the Terrestrial Volunteer Monitoring York Region, including the headwaters cause. Without their support, many Program. Ten times a year, the teams of the Don, for over 40 years. They important environmental initiatives, survey up to 56 indicator species of have also been active in local steward- including the outfall monitoring flora and fauna at each site. The pro- ship activities including annual Earth program that is tracking down gram supports watershed reporting, Day clean-ups and tree plantings at serious sources of contamination as well as the planning and imple- Mill Pond Park. and the regeneration of the Upper mentation of the terrestrial natural West Don River into the Bartley heritage system. In 2006, a new web- The Toronto Green Community, Smith Greenway would have been based, on-line data entry system which celebrated its 10th anniversary delayed or foundered entirely. helped improve the collection, valida- in 2005, promotes local environmental tion and analysis of the data collected. action and awareness through com- Local naturalist groups have been munity-based projects. The group’s instrumental in compiling inventories The Citizens’ Environment Watch Green Garden workshops provide of flora and fauna and monitoring the (CEW) teaches students and communi- detailed information on native species, health of bio-communities throughout ty members to monitor air and water organic gardening techniques, com- the watershed. For example, Bird quality, using lichens and benthic posting and rainwater management. Studies Canada conducts an annual invertebrates as indicators of environ- bird count every Christmas and mental health. Because these organ- Promoting “watershed thinking” coordinates a marsh monitoring pro- isms respond quickly to environmental among policy makers and advocating gram. Under Environment Canada’s impacts, and because different species the environmental protection of our NatureWatch program, “citizen have different tolerances to pollution, natural heritage is an integral part scientists” track plant flowering they are good indicators of the health of our work. Over the last five years, dates, count frogs and other key of our environment. members of the Don Council partici- indicator species. pated in 78 special hearings, public Lost Rivers helps us appreciate how meetings and other environmental the many buried and channelized forums, and prepared a total of 106 streams that lie beneath the parks and expert briefs, recommendations or pavements of Toronto form part of a letters of concern. Members have wider watershed. A joint program of commented on draft regulations and the Toronto Field Naturalists and statutes, participated in assessment Toronto Green Community, Lost hearings and appeared before com- Š Over the last six years, an estimated 110,000 native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and aquatic plants have been planted by local volunteers, our municipal partners, TRCA and other organizations Rivers hosts public walks, compiles mittees of all levels of government. detailed maps and histories of each throughout the Don watershed Š Since 1994, more than 300 regeneration projects have been launched throughout the watershed ranging from local stream clean-ups and tree plantings to major buried stream, and maintains a web- initiatives, including the removal of stream barriers and the construction of wetlands and stormwater ponds Š Over the past 12 years, more than 50,000 volunteers have participated in Don watershed site dedicated to these rivers. educational programs, fund-raising events and regeneration projects Š Between 1994 and 2006, TRCA has spent $2,390,000 to purchase a total of 161 hectares (397 acres) of environmentally important greenlands in the Don watershed.

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taking the next steps uch has transpired since Forty 1.Ensure the naturalization of the mouth of the Don 7. Motivate both the corporate sector and individual MSteps to a New Don was published back in 1994. River is adequately funded to restore the natural her- residents to reduce their environmental footprint by itage features, and reclaim vacant industrial lands showcasing green technologies—such as green roofs, Today, almost all of the Don water- for parkland and new neighbourhoods. solar energy or permeable paving technology— shed has been urbanized. The chal- lenge for the future will be to protect within the watershed. and restore the natural heritage fea- 2. Secure stable, long-term funding for infrastructure tures of the watershed—regenerating renewal, watershed management, land acquisition, 8. Engage all levels of government to undertake the what’s been lost and rehabilitating and regeneration and protection efforts from both necessary long-term monitoring of environmental con- areas that have been abused-while ditions trying to accommodate the compet- public and private sources. and enforce compliance with environmental ing recreational demands of a grow- protection statutes, regulations and by-laws. ing number of greenspace users. 3. Manage stormwater to moderate flows in the river and maintain baseflow levels, while minimizing 9. Incorporate sustainable, watershed-based parameters In addition, a number of serious into planning and development environmental threats to the water- destructive flood conditions and reducing erosion. decisions, brownfield shed have emerged, none more dire redevelopment and policy-making at the municipal, and far-reaching than the evolving 4. Reduce the flow of contaminants carried into the regional and provincial levels. Foster inter-agency spectre of global climate change. river by urban runoff, storm sewer and combined co-operation and formal coordination of restoration sewer outfalls, leaking historic landfills and other Rising temperatures and shifting activities within the watershed. climate patterns will dramatically sources, through a mix of pollution prevention incen- alter biodiversity and water flow tives, remediation projects, and restrictions on the 10. Continue to facilitate co-operative partnerships throughout the watershed—systems use of toxic, stable and bio-accumulative chemicals. and grassroots efforts to achieve regeneration and which are already under great pres- sure. Some species will disappear. protection goals. Maintain momentum through on- 5. Protect and enhance natural heritage features New pests will flourish. Ever more going public education programs, especially in the violent storms will pose serious when opportunities arise, while planning for urban local school system, and the greater use of informa- flooding and erosion hazards. intensification and increased pressure by multiple tive signage throughout the watershed. Unless a concerted international recreational uses. Effort must also be made to protect effort is made to contain this threat, and restore the deteriorating urban tree canopy. We would like to thank everyone— ble for the successes we’ve enjoyed much of the work taken to restore every student, pensioner and local so far, and will be required more and protect the Don ecosystem 6. Stem the spread of invasive terrestrial and aquatic ratepayer, every politician, civil servant than ever in the future. It just won’t may begin to unravel. and business leader—every single work without you. species through the watershed and attempt to one of you who took the time to plant A new watershed plan for the Don control those that have gained a foothold. a tree or pick up trash, disconnect For more information on the rehabil- is currently being drafted. This plan a downspout, attend a public meeting, itation of the Don watershed, the work that is underway and what must build on our past successes, vote to fund a restoration project, or participate in any of the hundreds of you can do to help, visit the TRCA creatively manage future urban inten- other Don River regeneration projects website at www.trca.on.ca sification and plan to mitigate the or community events. Your ideas, effects of climate change. It must also energy and enthusiasm are responsi- The Don Watershed Regeneration Council address the following challenges: