Duffins Creek State of the Watershed Report Greenspace, Trails and Recreation June 2002

Other topics in this series for both the Duffins Creek and the Carruthers Creek include:

Introduction Study Area Human Heritage Land Use Air Quality Climate Surface Water Quality Surface Water Quantity Stormwater Management Fluvial Geomorphology Hydrogeology Aquatic Habitat and Species Terrestrial Natural Heritage

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Toronto and Region Conservation, 5 Shoreham Drive, Downsview, Ontario M3N 1S4 Telephone: (416) 661-6600 Fax: (416) 661-6898 www.trca.on.ca Table of Content

Introduction to Greenspace, Trails and Recreation ...... 2

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Land Holdings ...... 3 South Park ...... 3 Duffins Headwaters Management Plan and Related Properties ...... 3 Goodwood Resource Management Tract ...... 3 The Secord Forest and Wildlife Area ...... 4 Clubine Agreement Forest ...... 4 Walker Woods ...... 5 Timbers Brothers Gravel Pit ...... 5 Glen Major Resource Management Tract ...... 5 Claremont Field Centre ...... 6 Greenwood Conservation Area ...... 7

Municipal Lands ...... 7 Rotary Park ...... 7

Other Lands that Provide Outdoor Recreation ...... 8 Private Parks ...... 8 Golf Courses ...... 8

Skiing ...... 9

Recreational Fishing ...... 9

Educational Institutions ...... 10

Trails ...... 10 Waterfront Trail ...... 10 Inter-Regional Trail ...... 11 Trans Canada Trail ...... 11 Oak Ridges Moraine Trail ...... 11 Great Pine Ridge Equestrian Trail ...... 13 Seaton Hiking Trail ...... 13 Millers Creek Trail ...... 13

Summary ...... 14

References ...... 15

Tables and Figures Table 1: Golf Courses Located in the Duffins Creek Watershed ...... 8

Figure 1: Duffins Creek Headwaters Management Plan Properties ...... 5 Figure 2: Exisiting and Proposed Trails in the Duffins Creek Watershed ...... 12 1 Introduction to Greenspace, Trails and Recreation

In 1999, Environment Canada released The Importance of Nature to Canadians: Survey Highlights. This summary of a 1996 survey of 87,000 people tells us that Canadians commit large amounts of their leisure time to activities that depend on natural areas and wildlife. As stewards of these valuable natural assets, Canadians are responsible for managing them to allow sustainable use. This management requires an understanding of the state of the natural environment, the threats to its sustainability, and an appreciation of the ways in which people make use of these natural assets. This chapter will explore the greenspace and recreational lands within the Duffins Creek watershed and the ways in which people currently make use of these lands.

2 Claremont Field Centre (Figure 1). The TRCA The Toronto and owns all of these lands with the exception of 72 hectares in the Glen Major Resource Region Management Tract, which is owned by the Ontario Heritage Foundation and managed by Conservation the TRCA. The entire planning area of the Duffins Creek Headwaters Management Plan Authority (TRCA) totals 1950 hectares (19.5 km2). The objective of the Duffins Creek Headwaters Land Holdings Management Plan process is to examine the lands and determine their environmental features and Since 1957, Authority lands have provided the functions, heritage values, and their potential for basis of an interregional greenspace system and recreation or other public uses. The review is used have conserved and enhanced the renewable to establish a plan for the future management of natural resources of the Authoritys watersheds the properties, recommend important land in the Greater Toronto Area. stewardship practices and identify important linkages between TRCA properties. Lands owned by the TRCA within the Duffins Creek watershed (totaling 23.3 km2) are currently At the outset of the management plan process used for a variety of purposes including conservation, TRCA established an Advisory Committee, which education, recreation, forestry and agriculture. included representatives from municipalities, The following sections briefly describe TRCA public interest groups and local citizens. The owned lands in the Duffins Creek watershed and committee has assisted TRCA staff to finalize the their current uses. project Terms of Reference, determine the management zones, management recommendations South Park and assist with public outreach. Located in the hamlet of Goodwood, Township Goodwood Resource of Uxbridge, this five hectare (12 acre) parcel locally known as South Park is maintained as a Management Tract community park by the Township of Uxbridge. This Resource Management Tract was formed as a result of six acquisitions that took place during Duffins Headwaters July and August of 1967. These lands were Management Plan and acquired under the Goodwood Forest and Related Properties Wildlife Area. The property is currently used by cross-country skiers, cyclists and hikers along the On September 24, 1999, the TRCA Board Oak Ridges Moraine Trail. members approved the process for preparing a comprehensive management plan for the seven properties which comprise the TRCA land holdings in the headwaters of the Duffins Creek. The properties include the Goodwood Resource Management Tract, Secord Forest and Wildlife Area, Clubine Agreement Forest, Walker Woods Tract, the former Timbers Brothers Gravel Pit, Glen Major Resource Management Tract and 3 Secord Forest and Wildlife Area

The Secord Forest and Wildlife Area The Secord Forest and Wildlife area is comprised of 93 hectares (230 acres) of ecologically sensitive land. There are four residences on the property, three of which are currently occupied. The property also includes a barn, a pet cemetery, three ponds, and a mixture of wooded areas, wetlands and open fields. Site services include a well and septic system. The largest pond is a dominant feature on the property and is maintained by the dam on the West Duffins Creek at the pond outlet.

There are numerous informal trails on the property Cross-Country Skiing and, at present, the Oak Ridges Trail runs through the property linking Concessions 3 and 4 in the Clubine Agreement Forest Town of Uxbridge. The Clubine property is an Agreement Forest Since assumption of the land by the Authority, owned and managed by The Toronto and Region the Secord Forest and Wildlife Area has been open Conservation Authority and is currently being for public access on a limited basis. This access has used by cross-country skiers, cyclists and hikers been primarily restricted to hiking on the property. along the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail. Forest Recreational fishing is currently not permitted management operations have been conducted by on the property and, as per Authority regulations, the Ministry of Natural Resources in the past hunting is prohibited. and will continue as necessary. 4 Figure 1: Duffins Creek Headwaters Management Plan Properties

5 Walker Woods The Walker property consists of two parcels of lands located on part lots 12-14, Concession 5 and part lots 6-10, Concession 6 in the Township of Uxbridge. Mr. Walker operated his properties as production forests, until the 1991 sale. Walker Woods is currently part of the TRCA Management Forest. Forest Management Practices are conducted on the property by TRCA staff on a periodic basis to ensure a sustainable and healthy forest. This site contains three residences and the remainder Timbers Brothers Gravel Pit of the property has been used for research by the University of Toronto and the University of Guelph, commercial filming, equestrian riding, Glen Major Resource and cross-country skiing. Management Tract Timbers Brothers Gravel Pit The Glen Major Resource Management Tract is currently used by equestrian riders, hikers, cyclists The Timbers Brothers site was operated as a and bird watchers. A local conservation group, the farm until the early 1960s when it was purchased Uxbridge Naturalists, have created a trail known for aggregate extraction. In 1998, the TRCA locally as the Blue Bird trail on the property. purchased the property which currently includes The property contains a trail linkage to the Dagmar an abandoned sand and gravel pit. This site also and Lakeridge ski resorts. In addition, Glen Major includes a diversity of meadow, hedgerow, forest is a major wintering area for white-tailed deer. and wetland communities. The Authority has Forest Management Operations are conducted designated a small portion of the rear of the property on the property by TRCA staff on a periodic as the Uxbridge Forest Kames Environmentally basis to ensure a sustainable and healthy forest. Significant Area (ESA #111), and the Province has designated a larger part of the rear of the One residence is located within the Glen Major property as a Provincially Significant Area of Resource Management Tract. The former Osler Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). Located Property contains a residence that is occupied on the Oak Ridges Moraine, the deposition of through a life tenancy. tills, sands and gravel outwash work as a major groundwater recharge zone and principal source There are three farmland rental agreements area for the Duffins Creek. TRCA has been working within in the Glen Major Resource Management to restore the former pit portion of the site and it Tract which can be renewed annually. is anticipated that the major regeneration phase of the work will be completed in 2002. TRCA Dagmar Ski Resort has also entered into an annual plans to continue tree and shrub planting on the licence agreement with the TRCA. Dagmar Ski site until 2006. Resort operates an alpine ski facility adjacent to TRCA lands in the Glen Major Area. Since 1975, the TRCA has allowed Dagmar Ski Resort to use a portion of the Glen Major Resource Management Tract lands as cross-country ski trails in winter and mountain bike trails in summer to supplement their ski operation. 6 Claremont Field Centre

Claremont Field Centre Catholic District School Board, other private school groups, community-based groups such as The Claremont site includes a variety of habitats Guides and Brownies, church groups and service - fields and ponds, a maple/beech woodlot, cedar clubs. The program at Claremont focuses on lowland and plantation forest. Forest Management outdoor and conservation education. Some of the Practices are conducted on the property by TRCA first students who attended programs at this staff on a periodic basis to ensure a sustainable facility now work at the TRCA, which illustrates and healthy forest. Much of the property was that one of the many benefits of exposing formerly farmland which was replanted in 1962 children to outdoor education programs is an with a combination of wildlife shrub rows and food encouragement to pursue careers related to plots to enhance habitat and attract birds and environmental protection. wildlife. The area continues to provide opportunities for lasting conservation education experiences. In the fall of 1999, the Licence Agreement with the Durham District School Board for the The Claremont Field Centre is a cedar log operation of the Duffins Creek Environmental structure that opened in 1970. Almost 30 years Education Centre (formerly named the Claremont later, many of the area school boards send classes Environmental Education Centre) was renewed to the centre. The building can accommodate up for another five years. to 60 students and six leaders for a three- to five- day stay. The Durham District School Board There is one residence located on the property at sends grade six classes to the field centre which the corner of Westney Road and Highway 7, makes up approximately 65 per cent of the which is rented on an annual basis. There is also school year participants. Other users include the one farmland agreement (former Pegg Estate) for Toronto District School Board, the Toronto 12 hectares of crops. 7 Greenwood Conservation Area Greenwood Conservation Area, located just south of the Claremont property, was purchased and operated by the TRCA from 1958 until May 1, 1999. During this time, the area provided public outdoor recreation opportunities, including family and group picnics, fishing, youth group camping, hiking and an annual fall festival. The management responsibilities for the land in the southern portion of the Greenwood Conservation Greenwood Conservation Area Area have been transferred to the Town of Ajax who intends to use the area for recreation and conservation purposes. primary goal of this plan is to ensure that the waterfront lands are appropriately used in ways that reflect the values of the community, while preserving and protecting the waterfront from Municipal Lands overuse or over-development. The Waterfront Plan also provides specific direction for modifying the Local municipalities provide parks, recreation, Master Plan and its implementation through and cultural facilities and programs through the subsequent multi-year projects. mandates of their Departments of Parks and Recreation and/or Culture. Each municipality During the winter of 2000-2001 a new pavillion develops a parks and recreation master plans was constructed at Rotary Park. The new Rotary which guides development for parks, open space, Park Pavillion, replaced an existing wooden recreation and culture. These documents also structure with limited amenities. The pavillion provide inventory information and coordinate will anchor the many activities of Rotary Park, recreation service delivery. the Ajax Waterfront Trail and the Trans Canada Trail. This multi use facility supports the In 1970, the TRCA was designated as the Recreation Services Music in the Park concerts, implementing agency for the Waterfront Plan for Creative Kids summer camp and a variety of all sectors in which it had jurisdiction, including special events. The multi use room is available the Town of Ajax waterfront. The Authority, in for lectures, meetings and exhibits. The conjunction with the Town of Ajax and the concession stand and washrooms will welcome Region of Durham, prepared a Master Plan for park users who need a break and refreshments. the lands from Duffins Creek to, and including, Carruthers Creek. This plan provides for protection According to the architect from the firm who of the marsh areas, development of trails, habitat designed the facility, The building takes its regeneration, parking and washroom facilities, inspiration from the local built heritage. As as marker and an interpretive centre and marina. of place, it echoes church spires, grain elevators and teepees. The witchs hat roof draws on our Rotary Park railway history. Its interior webbed roof structure invokes images of barns. As a place of refuge from In May of 1995, the Town of Ajax released the the elements, its large overhangs provide shelter strategic Waterfront Management Plan that and shade, and reaches out to the passer-by. The identified long term goals, objectives and a vision wide expanse of glass on the south wall takes in for the waterfront including Rotary Park. The the panoramic view of Lake Ontario. 8 Rotary Park Pavillion is open to the public every weekend from 12 noon until 8 p.m. throughout the summer until Thanksgiving.

Other Lands that Provide Outdoor Recreation

In addition to lands traditionally considered as public greenspace, public golf courses, schools, utility corridors and other lands may be used by the public for passive recreational activities.

Private Parks Pleasure Valley, located just south of the Walker Woods property, is a private outdoor recreation park which provides a variety of facilities including rollerblading, roller skating, miniature Enjoy Hitting the Golf Ball golf, frisbee golf, water slide and childrens water slide, giant childrens playground, horse drawn hayrides, climbing wall and horseback riding. Table 1: Golf Courses Located Golf Courses in the Duffins Creek Watershed There are 12 golf courses in the Duffins Creek Golf Course Name Municipality watershed. Table 1 provides a summary of the names Annadale Ajax and the municipalities in which they are located. Bushwood Markham Cherry Downs Pickering Four Seasons Pickering Glen Cedars Pickering Granite Club Stouffville Hawthorne Valley Pickering Riverside Pickering Seaton Pickering Sleepy Hollow Stouffville Spring Creek Pickering Whitevale Pickering

9 Fly Fishing in the Duffins Creek

Skiing Recreational The majority of the skiing that takes place in the Fishing Duffins Creek watershed occurs on cross- country trails rather than downhill runs. Cross- Recreational fisheries are intrinsic to what country skiers tend to use the informal trail Canada offers its citizens and visitors. Protecting networks in the Walker Woods, the Glen Major these fisheries and their habitat, promoting Resource Management Tract and the Seaton Trail. responsible use of the resource, and maintaining Dagmar Ski Resort maintains 25 kilometres of and developing angling opportunities makes sense formal cross-country trails on a portion of Glen for us and for future generations. This statement Major lands within the Duffins. Mountain provides a starting point for governments and biking is welcomed on these trails during the private sector to work together to conserve and remainder of the year. develop these fisheries. From: Recreational Fisheries Conference, The rugged topography of the Oak Ridges 1986, Federal Fisheries and Oceans as Moraine provides sufficient terrain for downhill cited in the Durham Region Sports runs, although these are primarily located on the Fishing Study, 1989. north slope of the moraine which drains into Lake Simcoe and Lake Scugog. Dagmar Ski Resort In 1999, Environment Canada released The offers alpine and night skiing plus snowboarding Importance of Nature to Canadians: Survey adjacent to the Glen Major lands, providing a Highlights. This summary of a 1996 survey of popular local attraction for watershed residents. 87,000 people tells us that in 1996 an estimated 10 4.2 million Canadians fished for recreation in Canada. In comparison with the population in general, Educational recreational fishing was more popular among men than women. Fishing was also more popular among Institutions rural Canadians than among urban Canadians. Participation was more concentrated among those There are a number of elementary and secondary younger than 45 years of age than among the schools within the watershed which contribute to older age groups. The survey also revealed that public uses through their outdoor sports facilities Ontario residents spent an estimated $4,283 million and fields, playgrounds, open spaces and on various nature related activities in Ontario linkages to other greenspace areas. Often schools including wildlife viewing and recreational fishing. are clustered with other public facilities and are located adjacent to valley and stream corridors. Recreational fishing can be defined as catching or attempting to catch fish for non-commercial The Claremont Field Centre (residential) and the purposes. The Duffins Creek is well known as a Duffins Creek Environmental Education Centre recreational fishing spot and it is recognized for (day use) are the only outdoor education centres its excellent aquatic habitat. It has the strongest located within the watershed. These field centres run of migratory rainbow trout (up to Whitevale), offer programming and facilities for students and and the midsection, north of Whitevale, is community organizations. abundant with brown trout. The headwater areas contain brook trout while the mouth and marsh areas of the watercourse are popular for pike fishing. There has also been a report of a run of walleye Trails south of Highway 401, however, it has not been officially documented. A variety of lake fish can There are a number of existing and proposed trail be found in the creek at different times of the systems that connect the natural, cultural, heritage, year including white and yellow perch, bass and recreational and educational features in the study carp. Refer to the Aquatic Habitat and Species area with one another and with other destinations chapter for a complete summary of fish species outside of the watershed (Figure 2). The following found in the Duffins Creek. trails are located within the Duffins Creek watershed and are described in more detail below: There are two private fishing clubs in the headwaters of Duffins Creek in addition to public lands Waterfront Trail along the watercourse that provide moderate to Inter-Regional Trail (proposed) good fishing opportunities. All recreational anglers, Trans Canada Trail (proposed) whether fishing from public or private lands and Oak Ridges Moraine Trail waters, are required to obtain a fishing licence, Great Pine Ridge Equestrian Trail and have regard for open seasons. Seaton Hiking Trail Millers Creek Trail The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) publishes a summary of the regulations that govern fishing in Waterfront Trail Ontario called the Ontario Sport Fishing Regulations. It can be obtained free of charge at any office of the The Waterfront Trail follows the shoreline of Lake MNR. Vital information regarding size, catch and Ontario from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Trenton, possession limits, licences, fish sanctuaries and open with plans to extend to Kingston. It passes through seasons are found in this booklet. For consumption the shallow broad valleys of the Duffins Creek purposes refer to the Ministry of the Environments waterfront in the City of Pickering and the Town Guide to Eating Freshwater Fish. of Ajax (Waterfront Regeneration Trust, 1995). 11 are not on the main TCT route (e.g., Owen Sound, Stratford, Kingston and Timmins).

The Ontario portion of the TCT will be more than 3,500 kilometres long, which represents about 25 per cent of the national total. The Ontario section of the TCT will result from linking up to 200 different segments of community shared-use trails. The TRCA is coordinating a north-south link into the Greater Toronto Area from Uxbridge via the east Duffins Creek to Ajax, Pickering and the Toronto Waterfront. The north-south connection may involve trail links through some of the TRCA properties such as Greenwood, Walker Woods, Glen Major and Claremont (information obtained from the Trans Canada Trail, Trail Builder Update - Ontario, May 1, 1999).

Oak Ridges Moraine Trail The first attempt to provide a trail along the Oak Ridges Moraine was undertaken in 1973 when the Great Pine Ridge Equestrian Trail was established by the Ontario Trail Riders Hiking Association (OTRA). The concept of a system of public recreational trails along the full length of Inter-Regional Trail the moraine, from Albion Hills in the west to the Northumberland Forest in the east (approximately The TRCA approved the concept of the Greater 160 kilometres), was developed by a group of Toronto Inter-Regional Trail System in 1992. The volunteers in October 1991 with the cooperation inter-regional trail system relies on trail links through of Save the Oak Ridges Moraine (STORM), the many of the TRCA properties in the headwaters TRCA and Hike Ontario. of the Duffins Creek including Goodwood, Secord, Clubine, Walker Woods and Glen Major. The ORTA was officially inaugurated in May of 1992 at a public meeting at Albion Hills. The Trans Canada Trail ORTA is an incorporated body with charitable status governed by a Board of Directors elected Planning, registration and development for the at an annual general meeting. The main objective Ontario portion of the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) of the association is to develop and secure the has been initiated. The Ontario Trails Council Oak Ridges Trail in a manner that promotes (OTC), under its partnership with the Trans appreciation and respect for the moraines ecological, Canada Trail Foundation, is acting as the lead cultural and scenic integrity, while also conserving representative for coordinating the development the natural features and processes on the moraine. of the TCT route across Ontario. There is growing support for the OTCs concept of a Trillium Most of the trail development is undertaken by Trail network of community-based, shared-use ORTA members, although other groups (e.g., trails that would provide the main trunk of the local environmental groups, conservation authorities, TCT and provide connecting links to areas that conservation volunteers) do have the opportunity 12 Figure 2: Existing and Proposed Trails in the Duffins Creek Watershed

13 to help establish the trail. The Oak Ridges Trail passes through a number of properties including Millers Creek Trail Goodwood, Secord, Clubine and Walker Woods. Of the three valley systems, Millers Creek, with Great Pine Ridge Equestrian its wide-open profile, is best suited to a continuous paved trail system that can accommodate both Trail cycling and walking. Through the existing The 320 kilometre (200 mile) Great Pine Ridge communities south of Rossland Rd., the valley is Equestrian Trail was established by the Ontario maintained as open parkland, and several sectors Trail Riders Association (OTRA) in 1973. The of paved trails have already been developed. The OTRA is a non-profit organization that was trail system is planned to extend northward as founded in 1970. OTRAs mission is to identify, growth occurs, with a link to Greenwood develop, and preserve multi-use trails (such as Conservation Area. Although North Ajax will be biking, walking, bird watching, equestrian well served by the completion of this trail riding) throughout Ontario. system, to create a continuous off-road system linking the Millers Trail to the South Duffins The Great Pine Ridge Equestrian Trail begins at Trail would require an underpass under the 401. the Trent River in the east and ends at the The existing culvert has sufficient headroom to Niagara Escarpment on the west, with a portion put a raised walkway through. However, public of the trail running over the Oak Ridges Moraine. safety with respect to lighting and entrapment The trail incorporates both existing local trails and would need to be addressed. The alternative road sections. This trail runs adjacent to Walker connection is on-road, either westerly along local Woods and above Glen Major and, as such, provides streets to the Church Street unerpass, or easterly links to the Inter-Regional, Trans Canada and to Westney Road (Vision 2020 A Bicycle and Oak Ridge Moraine Trails (Ontario Trail Riders Leisure Trail System Plan for the Town of Ajax, Final Report, 2001). Association, Inc., The Best Way to Discover Ontario is the Ride Way. Pamphlet, Etobicoke).

Seaton Hiking Trail The Seaton Hiking Trail is located along the West Duffins Creek valley in the North Pickering Planning area. The 9.7 kilometre trail follows the valley and is used for hiking and cross- country skiing. Access points include Highway 7, Green River, Whitevale Road, Whites Road, Forest Stream, Clarkes Hollow and Rossland Road. Additional lands along this trail within the West Duffins Environmentally Sensitive Area will pass into public ownership care of the TRCA in the future. TRCA and City of Pickering staff have had initial meetings regarding these lands and, ultimately, a Management Plan will be developed, in partnership with hiking groups to determine the best practices for ensuring both the health of these environmentally sensitive lands and the enjoyment potential for local residents. 14 Summary The amount of land within the Duffins Creek watershed that is currently in public ownership exceeds 132 km2. Approximately, fifty per cent of the entire watershed is in the care of The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, the Federal and Provincial governments, and the Regional and Local Municipalities.

Publicly-owned lands may appear fragmented, but they have been intentionally acquired to protect Environmentally Significant Areas, Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest, or are properties with strategic ecological watershed attributes or public use functions. Linkages between these areas will only improve the health of the environment and wildlife, as well as provide much needed recreational opportunities for residents. All TRCA public lands are being, or will be, managed under the direction of Conservation Area Management Plans.

The development of management plans is underway by TRCA, in partnership with local municipalities and residents, for the Duffins Creek Headwaters, Duffins Marsh and Greenwood Conservation Area. Future initiatives that may help to link these areas include proposed extensions to the Trans Canada Trail, the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail, the Waterfront Trail, and trail planning by the local municipalities.

Due to the rural nature of the northern two-thirds of this watershed, perhaps the most enjoyable recreational activities involve cycling or driving to the rolling hills and scenic vistas on the Oak Ridges Moraine. Hamlets and villages scattered throughout the watershed contain beautiful historic buildings and cemeteries, reminding us of an earlier time. Self-guided walking tours of historic downtown Stouffville or the Whitevale Heritage Conservation District, for instance, are enjoyable as well as educational. Within these areas, trails and fishing spots provide focal points for outdoor recreation. In other areas of the watershed, recreational facilities, golf courses and ski resorts allow for more active recreational pursuits. There are many opportunities for discovery and outdoor recreation within the varied and special Duffins Creek watershed.

15 References

Environment Canada, 1999. The Importance of Nature to Canadians: Survey Highlights.

Regional Municipality of Durham, 1989. Durham Region Sports Fishing Study.

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, 1992. Trail Planning and Design Guidelines. Downsview, Ontario.

Waterfront Regeneration Trust, 1995. Lake Ontario Greenway Strategy: Next Steps. Toronto: Hambly and Woolley, Inc.