Don River and Central Waterfront
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3131 Lower Don River West Lower Don River West 4.0 DESCRIPTION
Lower Don River West Environmental Study Report Remedial Flood Protection Project 4.0 DESCRIPTION OF LOWER DON 4.1 The Don River Watershed The Don River is one of more than sixty rivers and streams flowing south from the Oak Ridges Moraine. The River is approximately 38 km long and outlets into the Keating Channel, which then conveys the flows into Toronto Harbour and Lake Historic Watershed Ontario. The entire drainage basin of the Don urbanization of the river's headwaters in York River is 360 km2. Figure 4.1 and Figure 4.2, on the Region began in the early 1980s and continues following pages, describe the existing and future today. land use conditions within the Don River Watershed. Hydrologic changes in the watershed began when settlers converted the forests to agricultural fields; For 200 years, the Don Watershed has been many streams were denuded even of bank side subject to intense pressures from human vegetation. Urban development then intensified settlement. These have fragmented the river the problems of warmer water temperatures, valley's natural branching pattern; degraded and erosion, and water pollution. Over the years often destroyed its once rich aquatic and during the three waves of urban expansion, the terrestrial wildlife habitat; and polluted its waters Don River mouth, originally an extensive delta with raw sewage, industrial/agricultural marsh, was filled in and the lower portion of the chemicals, metals and other assorted river was straightened. contaminants. Small Don River tributaries were piped and Land clearing, settlement, and urbanization have buried, wetlands were "reclaimed," and springs proceeded in three waves in the Don River were lost. -
The Fish Communities of the Toronto Waterfront: Summary and Assessment 1989 - 2005
THE FISH COMMUNITIES OF THE TORONTO WATERFRONT: SUMMARY AND ASSESSMENT 1989 - 2005 SEPTEMBER 2008 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The authors wish to thank the many technical staff, past and present, of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and Ministry of Natural Resources who diligently collected electrofishing data for the past 16 years. The completion of this report was aided by the Canada Ontario Agreement (COA). 1 Jason P. Dietrich, 1 Allison M. Hennyey, 1 Rick Portiss, 1 Gord MacPherson, 1 Kelly Montgomery and 2 Bruce J. Morrison 1 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, 5 Shoreham Drive, Downsview, ON, M3N 1S4, Canada 2 Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Lake Ontario Fisheries Management Unit, Glenora Fisheries Station, Picton, ON, K0K 2T0, Canada © Toronto and Region Conservation 2008 ABSTRACT Fish community metrics collected for 16 years (1989 — 2005), using standardized electrofishing methods, throughout the greater Toronto region waterfront, were analyzed to ascertain the current state of the fish community with respect to past conditions. Results that continue to indicate a degraded or further degrading environment include an overall reduction in fish abundance, a high composition of benthivores, an increase in invasive species, an increase in generalist species biomass, yet a decrease in specialist species biomass, and a decrease in cool water Electrofishing in the Toronto Harbour thermal guild species biomass in embayments. Results that may indicate a change in a positive community health direction include no significant changes to species richness, a marked increase in diversity in embayments, a decline in non-native species in embayments and open coasts (despite the invasion of round goby), a recent increase in native species biomass, fluctuating native piscivore dynamics, increased walleye abundance, and a reduction in the proportion of degradation tolerant species. -
Sec 2-Core Circle
TRANSFORMATIVE IDEA 1. THE CORE CIRCLE Re-imagine the valleys, bluffs and islands encircling the Downtown as a fully interconnected 900-hectare immersive landscape system THE CORE CIRLE 30 THE CORE CIRLE PUBLIC WORK 31 TRANSFORMATIVE IDEA 1. THE CORE CIRCLE N The Core Circle re-imagines the valleys, bluffs and islands E encircling the Downtown as a fully connected 900-hectare immersive landscape system W S The Core Circle seeks to improve and offer opportunities to reconnect the urban fabric of the Downtown to its surrounding natural features using the streets, parks and open spaces found around the natural setting of Downtown Toronto including the Don River Valley and ravines, Lake Ontario, the Toronto Islands, Garrison Creek and the Lake Iroquois shoreline. Connecting these large landscape features North: Davenport Road Bluff, Toronto, Canada will create a continuous circular network of open spaces surrounding the Downtown, accessible from both the core and the broader city. The Core Circle re- imagines the Downtown’s framework of valleys, bluffs and islands as a connected 900-hectare landscape system and immersive experience, building on Toronto’s strong identity as a ‘city within a park’ and providing opportunities to acknowledge our natural setting and connect to the history of our natural landscapes. East: Don River Valley Ravine and Rosedale Valley Ravine, Toronto, Canada Historically, the natural landscape features that form the Core Circle were used by Indigenous peoples as village sites, travelling routes and hunting and gathering lands. They are regarded as sacred landscapes and places for spiritual renewal. The Core Circle seeks to re-establish our connection to these landscapes. -
Lower Don Trail Access, Environment + Art Master Plan
Lower Don Trail Access, Environment + Art Master Plan City of Toronto and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority / 2013 Lower Don Trail Access, Environment + Art Master Plan Prepared for: City of Toronto Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Prepared by: DTAH Project Lead, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design AECOM Ecology, Transportation, Civil Engineering Public Space Workshop Trail Connectivity LURA Consultation Andrew Davies Design Public Art SPH Planning + Consulting Accessibility September 2013 With special thanks to the staff of TRCA and the City of Toronto Parks, Transportation, Culture and Planning Departments. Thanks also to Metrolinx, Evergreen, and those members of the public who attended the open house session or contacted us with their comments on the future of the Lower Don Trail. “As the years go on and the population increases, there will be a need of these and more lands, and in life where so much appears futile, this one thing will remain. In essence, those who continue to support the work of conservation can say, I have lived here, I have done something positive to ensure that its natural beauty and natural values continue.” – Charles Sauriol (1904-1995), local resident and lifelong advocate for conservation in the Don Valley. Table of Contents Executive Summary 1 1 / Introduction 1.1 Background 3 1.2 Problem Statement, Goals and Context 6 1.3 Recommended Design Principles 7 2 / Process 2.1 Project Timeline 9 2.2 Existing Conditions 10 2.3 Previous Studies 12 2.4 SWOT Analysis 13 2.5 Public Consultation -
The Toronto Ravines Study: 1977-2017 Long-Term Changes in the Biodiversity and Ecological Integrity of Toronto’S Ravines
The Toronto Ravines Study: 1977-2017 Long-term Changes in the Biodiversity and Ecological Integrity of Toronto’s Ravines Eric Davies, Anqi Dong, Catherine Berka, Paul Scrivener, Dale Taylor, Sandy M Smith Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto - July 2018 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This report would not have come into being without the work of the many individuals who dedicated endless volunteer hours to its realization. Our thanks to: The originators of the 1977 study, our co-authors Paul Scrivener and Dale Taylor, for sticking with the project over the past 40 years, and for getting it going again. Dale and Paul provided the team with a real-life example of ‘citizen science’ in action, and a generational timeline to the past. They made this project an adventure for all of us. Good stewardship of the land is a lifelong affair, and Dale and Paul have exemplified that commitment beyond all expectations. Esther McNeil for walking into the University of Toronto, Faculty of Forestry six years ago and asking: “How can I help save the Toronto ravines?” Esther inspired us to start working in the Toronto ravines, which ultimately led to this project, this report, and a renewed interest in ravine conservation. Catherine Berka for jumping with two feet into this project from day one, and for providing an endless source of positivity, leadership, humour, community outreach, and every day hard work. The project would simply not be what it is today without the heart and soul of our other co-author, Catherine. This project has benefited tremendously from the expertise, cooperation, and guidance of many people, especially in The City of Toronto, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, local nature groups, and countless citizens. -
Humber River Fisheries Management Plan
Humber River FFiisshheerriieess MMaannaaggeemmeenntt PPllaann A cooperative resource management plan developed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority October 2004 Correct citation for this publication: Clayton, J., Hayes K., Heaton, M. G. and, Lawrie, D. 2004. Humber River Fisheries Management Plan. Published by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. i PREFACE A number of federal, provincial and regional strategies exist to guide watershed management and habitat protection and rehabilitation. At a federal level, the Toronto and Region Remedial Action Plan (RAP) was established in accordance with the Canada-United States Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and identified the Toronto and Region Area of Concern (AOCs) as one of 43 AOCs around the Great Lakes. The Stage I RAP document identifies types and sources of water pollution problems, and outlines goals, remedial actions, agencies, costs, timetables and monitoring programs. Stage II provides a framework for guiding more local initiatives, such as fisheries rehabilitation. The Humber River Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) provides direction on three RAP goals and actions: Goal 2a) a self sustaining fishery Goal 2b) rehabilitation of fish and wildlife habitat Action 21) protect and restore fish and wildlife habitat Implementation of RAP recommendations, in conjunction with the recommendations of watershed based rehabilitation plans, will eventually lead to the delisting of watersheds within the Toronto and Region Area of Concern. Provincial fisheries management plans that set the context for the Humber River Fisheries Management Plan include the Strategic Plan for Ontario Fisheries (SPO F II) and the Maple District Fisheries Management Plan. -
Ontario's Stream Rehabilitation Manual
Ontario’s Stream Rehabilitation Manual Written by Mark G. Heaton Rick Grillmayer And Jack G. Imhof Illustrations By Roy DeGuisti Copyright by Ontario Streams 17266 Old Main Street, Belfountain, Ontario L0N 1B0 May 2002 All Rights Reserved. Chapter 1 Introduction The Created Need Restoration, Rehabilitation or Reclamation Building on Experience Partnerships Mean Ownership Chapter 2 Perspectives What is a Watershed? Life in a Dynamic Physical Environment ….. Eco ~ System Stream Corridors The Natural Tendency of Rivers (written by Jack G. Imhof) Chapter 3 Look Before You Leap Project Planning Basics STEP 1: Focus STEP 2: Research and Reconnaissance STEP 3: Evaluation and Impact Assessment STEP 4: Goal, Objectives and Targets Chapter 4 Charting the Course to Action! STEP 5: Plan, Prepare and Consult STEP 6: Implement STEP 7: Monitor and Report Chapter 5 Learning From The Past Gathering The Information Drawing Conclusions... Chapter 6 Techniques Introduction Barrier Management Barrier Modification Fishways Soil Bioengineering (written by R. Grillmayer) Live Staking Fascines Brushlayers Brushmattress Live Cribwall Willow Posts Native Material Revetment Live Rock Revetment Habitat Improvement L.U.N.K.E.R.S. Boulder Placement Half Log Cover Instream Log Cover The Sweeper Palette Cover Cabled Log Jam Channel Rehabilitation Natural Channel Reconstruction (Under Construction) Riparian Corridor Rehabilitation (Under Construction) Woody Debris Management Low Stage Weirs (Under Construction) Wing Deflectors Bibliography Bibliography Appendices Appendix -
An Aesthetics for the Leslie Street Spit by Alexander Chan A
Sympathetic Landscapes: an aesthetics for the Leslie Street Spit by Alexander Chan A thesis presented to the University of Waterloo in fulfillment of the thesis requirement for the degree of Master of Architecture Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, 2013 © Alexander Chan 2013 I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this thesis. This is a true copy of the thesis, including any required final revisions, as accepted by my examiners. I understand that my thesis may be made electronically available to the public. ii ABSTRACT The Leslie Street Spit is a five kilometre rubble breakwater on the eastern waterfront of Toronto. Built during the mid-twentieth-century as an infrastructural add-on to the existing Port Lands Industrial District, the artificial peninsula was a lakefilling project made to realize the city’s ambitious desire for economic prosperity and world-class prestige by expanding its existing harbour facilities. With the decline of Toronto’s shipping industry, the Leslie Spit remained an active dump site for urban clean fill until it was unexpectedly colonized by flora and fauna during the 1970s. The site is now recognized as an important local and international environmental resource. Visitors to the Leslie Spit experience a diverse landscape of ecosystems and industrial rubble helded by the city as a symbol of environmental revival within a former industrial region undergoing another phase of urbanization. While the local aesthetic experience of the headland is pleasurable and aligns with the reinvention of Toronto as am environmentally conscious and sustainable city, human visitors remain psychologically and physically removed from the inhabiting non-human life. -
MUD CREEK LOST RIVERS LOOP (Moore Ave., Milkmans Walane, Mount Pleasant, St
MUD CREEK LOST RIVERS LOOP (Moore Ave., Milkmans WaLane, Mount Pleasant, St. l Clair k loop) Experience a walk along routes of three buried waterways, all hidden from public view decades ago in the interest of progress. Enjoy the natural serenity of living ponds on the former site of Toronto’s largest brick works, right in the heart of the city. Public Transit: Getting there; Saturday only 28A TTC Bus from Davisville Subway station. Free daily Evergreen shuttle bus from Broadview Subway For over 100 years, this the metal plate are some of the Lost station. 1 unique property was home to Rivers of the Don Watershed; The Getting home; Take the 28A TTC Bus back to Davisville Subway Station or return to the Don Valley Brick Works. The site large Exploring the Lower Don map Broadview Subway station via the Evergreen shuttle bus. was perfect for brick making, with a shows where you are in relation to the *Public transit routes and schedules are subject to change. Please check with provider. TTC Information: www.ttc.ca or 416-393-4636. Visit www.ebw.evergreen.ca for their shuttle bus schedule. quarry of clay and shale, access to lake. water from Mud Creek, and nearby Walk through the open- Parking: Paid parking available at Evergreen Brick Works. railroads for transportation. In 1989, 2 when brick production ended, the city, air building on your left, called The Pavilions, and out to the Terrace. Food and Washrooms: Available at Evergreen Brick Works. province, conservation authority and private donors purchased the property Until the early-1980s, this large area was an active quarry with a 40 meter Level of Difficulty/Accessibility: The trail varies from gravel, dirt to hard- to protect and restore the lands. -
Lower Don Trail Suggested Routes Accessible Trail Entry Point Trail
To Edwards Gardens & Toronto Botanical Garden West Don River Don Valley Pkwy Sunnybrook Park E Eglinton Ave. E. Eglinton Ave. E. Sutherland Dr. Sutherland Bayview Ave. Bayview Beltline Trail Linkwood Lane Park Davisville Ave. East Don River Millwood Rd. Mt. Pleasant E.T. Seton Redway Rd. Cemetery Park Moore Ave. Bayview Ave. Yonge St. Crothers Woods Beltline Trail Taylor Massey Creek Mt. Pleasant Rd. Pleasant Mt. Taylor Creek Trail Don Valley Pkwy O’Connor Dr. Pottery Rd. Cosburn Ave. Roxborough Dr. Todmorden Mills Mortimer Ave. Crescent Rd. y w k P Mt. Pleasant Rd. Pleasant Mt. y ilkma e South Dr. M n’s L l n. l a V Craigleigh n o Gardens D Broadview Ave. Park Rd. Rosedale Valley Rd. F Bayview Ave. Bayview Danforth Ave. Bloor St. W. G Bloor St. E. Queen’s Wellesley St. E. Park Wellesley St. E. Riverdale Amelia St. Park East Riverdale Winchester St. Farm D Langley Ave. Carlton St. Greenwood Ave. Greenwood Gerrard St. E. Gerrard St. E. Dundas St. E. River St. River Parliament St. Parliament Sherbourne St. Sherbourne Dundas St. E. Woodbine Ave. Woodbine Shuter St. Broadview Ave. Broadview Yonge St. Yonge Bayview Ave. Bayview Queen St. E. Queen St. W. Woodbine Knox Ave. Knox Park Sarah Ashbridge Ave. Ashbridge Sarah Northern Dancer Blvd. Dancer Northern A Eastern Ave. Corktown B Common King St. W. Front St. E. Don Woodbine Landing Lake Shore Blvd. E. Beach Mill St. Distillery Front St. W. C District UNION STATION Entertainment Gardiner Expy District Queens Quay E. Port Lands Cherry St. Cherry Cherry 0 0.5 1 km Beach A From Corktown Common to Evergreen Brick Works (Approx. -
APPENDIX L9 Public Comments
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT APPENDIX L9 Public Comments Table of Contents Public Comments Table .................................................................................... L9-1 SCARBOROUGH WATERFRONT PROJECT Toronto and Region Conservation ID # Date Source Comments Theme(s) 1 September 12, 2015 Shoreline Tour I guess this is a positive comment but could have listened to more more tours throughout the year Access Comment Form Public Access – how to manage an increase in the # of people accessing the Bluffs. Consultation + Parking – better bike access Parking Traffic 2 September 12, 2015 Shoreline Tour Access by car Access Comment Form 3 September 12, 2015 Shoreline Tour I like the emphasis on finding solutions to erosion that are more “natural” or less invasive, and that accommodate Access Comment Form human AND animal / plant / insect life Ecology Making the trail safe for hiking, but still educating people about how not to disturb the natural / wildlife in the area. Erosion 4 September 12, 2015 Shoreline Tour A lot of work to put on. need to promote widely so public awareness is present for full consultation Access Comment Form Promoting widely to obtain maximum exposure + awareness Accessibility Biking trails + accessibility (AODA) Consultation 5 September 12, 2015 Shoreline Tour Hiking Trail Access Comment Form 6 September 12, 2015 Shoreline Tour Connect it with Bluffers Comment on Comment Form Alternative 7 September 12, 2015 Shoreline Tour Better access to the waterfront would be great Access Comment Form 8 September 12, 2015 -
Ravine Strategy
TORONTO RAVINE STRATEGY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Toronto’s astounding network of ravines is among the largest in the world. It is the heart and soul of a remarkable natural environment system that spills out of the river valleys into the city’s parks, neighbourhoods and urban landscape. Ravines connect the Oak Ridges moraine north of Toronto to the shores of Lake Ontario, carrying water, wildlife and people through Ontario’s most densely urbanized area. They also connect us with the city’s rich history and Indigenous heritage. Once seen as the biggest challenge to Toronto’s growth, these corridors of “disordered nature” are now treasured as one of its greatest assets. Cutting across the whole city, Toronto’s ravines intersect with a diverse array of cultures and communities. Rich in natural character and biodiversity, they provide many ecological benefits and are for many a cherished escape from the fast pace of urban life. With population growth, new development and climate change putting increased pressures on our ravines, a strategy is critical to navigate the fine line between protection and use and identify and prioritize the actions and investments needed to ensure that everyone can enjoy these extraordinary places for decades to come. At its essence, Toronto’s first Ravine Strategy will help to supporta ravine system that is a natural, connected sanctuary essential for the health and well-being of the city, where use and enjoyment support protection, education and stewardship. Five guiding principles and twenty actions for Toronto’s ravines were developed through extensive consultation with the public, interest groups, staff and key stakeholders.